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New review paper with @mlsmith78 on the use of gene duplicates in phylogenetic inference:
https://ecoevorxiv.org/wzcbg/
I really loved writing this paper, and realized that I almost always enjoy writing review papers. Here are a few good reasons to write one (thread):
https://ecoevorxiv.org/wzcbg/
I really loved writing this paper, and realized that I almost always enjoy writing review papers. Here are a few good reasons to write one (thread):
[First, a clarification: by “review” paper I mean basically any paper without a Methods section. Literature review, commentary, opinion, etc.—they all count]
Reasons to write a review:
1. It’s a great way to learn about a new area.
Yes, of course we all read deeply about new areas we want to start working in, but nothing focuses this task like promising to write a review on the topic!
1. It’s a great way to learn about a new area.
Yes, of course we all read deeply about new areas we want to start working in, but nothing focuses this task like promising to write a review on the topic!
2. It’s a great way to learn from experts.
One of my favorite parts of writing a review is doing it with other people (see the next two points as well).
[cont]
One of my favorite parts of writing a review is doing it with other people (see the next two points as well).
[cont]
This is especially true when you have the opportunity to do it with people who are already experts in the area, from whom you can learn even faster. I highly recommend doing this, as I’ve done previously with @brandonscooper and David Bryant.
3. It’s a great way to find new research ideas.
There’s nothing like reviewing an entire field to inspire new ideas. When you read and digest everything that’s been done, it makes it much easier to see what should be done next.
[cont]
There’s nothing like reviewing an entire field to inspire new ideas. When you read and digest everything that’s been done, it makes it much easier to see what should be done next.
[cont]
If you can do this with someone in your lab, even better! This is how I think of the latest review paper with Megan: it helps us to see how we can make a contribution to the field, and how she could develop ideas to take with her when she moves on to her own faculty position.
4. It’s a great way to put your stamp on a field.
Many grad students have review chapter at the front of their dissertation. When possible, I try to help turn this into a published paper that both demonstrates their knowledge and put their contributions into context.
[cont]
Many grad students have review chapter at the front of their dissertation. When possible, I try to help turn this into a published paper that both demonstrates their knowledge and put their contributions into context.
[cont]
This is also a good opportunity to train students in how to write review paper, and possibly to help them reflect on areas they could return to working on later (see point 3). I did this for my dissertation, and have done it with people like @SamurSciCop and @jeffreyadrion.
5. It’s a great way to work out common ground.
I’ve only done this once (with Nora Besansky and @WTF_R_species), but a review paper is a really good way to figure out why exactly you disagree with someone, and where you do agree.
[cont]
I’ve only done this once (with Nora Besansky and @WTF_R_species), but a review paper is a really good way to figure out why exactly you disagree with someone, and where you do agree.
[cont]
While Nora and I agree on most things, Jim and I…don’t always see eye to eye. But I had a really fun time with him working through the topics we put in our review paper. We still don’t agree on lots of things, but I definitely understand both of their positions better now.
6. It’s a great way to stake out a position.
Let’s face it: review papers that don’t have a point of view are boring. Tell people that they’re missing something, or that they’re wrong about something, or that there’s a better way to do something.
[cont]
Let’s face it: review papers that don’t have a point of view are boring. Tell people that they’re missing something, or that they’re wrong about something, or that there’s a better way to do something.
[cont]
I especially love working through papers like this with smart people (like @TamiCru, @pastramimachine, @guerruhroh, and Luay Nakhleh) who can sharpen your arguments and make you think harder.
7. (This isn't a reason, but I needed a marker to end with)
I haven't written every review that was possible. Sometimes there's nothing to say, or I was just too busy (sorry, @caseybergman). You have to write "real" papers, too. But hopefully these are good reasons to write one.
I haven't written every review that was possible. Sometimes there's nothing to say, or I was just too busy (sorry, @caseybergman). You have to write "real" papers, too. But hopefully these are good reasons to write one.
