an interesting dilemma...

[windsor]

PPI and Minion stopped by the lab today. Fortunately, I was talking on the phone at the time. He stuck his head in to say thank you to me, which I found interesting.

I sent another e-mail to him today in order to mention another inconsistency in the manuscript. I kept the tone nice, neutral, and passive. Details of inconsistency: let's say that you were doing some work in order to provide additional data for a manuscript, and the type of analysis you were doing was identical to something that was in the previous draft of the manuscript. Would you a) do it the way that it was done previously in order to be consistent, or b) do it a completely different way? If you chose b), sorry, but you think like The Minion. It absolutely boggles my mind. Why the heck would you make a point of doing a repeat analysis and then do the calculations differently? IMO it looks sloppy to do this sort of thing. I didn't say that to Pushy PI, though. I'll let him connect the dots to that point. It's not a particularly challenging line to draw.

That is your best tactic as long as you have PPI's ear...put the dots close together and let him connect them. People don't get defensive when they think they thought of it...

[OZZIE4DUKE]

PPI and Minion stopped by the lab today. Fortunately, I was talking on the phone at the time. He stuck his head in to say thank you to me, which I found interesting.

I sent another e-mail to him today in order to mention another inconsistency in the manuscript. I kept the tone nice, neutral, and passive. Details of inconsistency: let's say that you were doing some work in order to provide additional data for a manuscript, and the type of analysis you were doing was identical to something that was in the previous draft of the manuscript. Would you a) do it the way that it was done previously in order to be consistent, or b) do it a completely different way? If you chose b), sorry, but you think like The Minion. It absolutely boggles my mind. Why the heck would you make a point of doing a repeat analysis and then do the calculations differently? IMO it looks sloppy to do this sort of thing. I didn't say that to Pushy PI, though. I'll let him connect the dots to that point. It's not a particularly challenging line to draw.

That is your best tactic as long as you have PPI's ear...put the dots close together and let him connect them. People don't get defensive when they think they thought of it...

AD, would you do the (same) analysis in a different way to confirm the data you previously gathered, sort of as an independent confirmation ? Or is this a different but similar analysis where consistency of results with the first experiment, including techniques and methodology, really desirable? I think you're saying it's the second case, but I want to confirm.

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

Lurking daily and paying attention to all of your reactions. So glad everyone else is still wary. 'Cause I sure am. Don't let down your guard, Arkie. This ain't over til it's over.
Love, Ima

[windsor]

Must be nothing but chirping crickets from PPI and the Minion.


I hope your next posts details a new dilemma: Whether to hire the 4 or 6 piece band to come to the lab and perform "Take This Job and Shove It"

[ArkieDukie]

Must be nothing but chirping crickets from PPI and the Minion.


I hope your next posts details a new dilemma: Whether to hire the 4 or 6 piece band to come to the lab and perform "Take This Job and Shove It"

Nothing but crickets! Probably won't hear from them until my boss returns from his vacation.

[ArkieDukie]

Today, on my first day back at work after vacation, I received an e-mail from PPI, letting me know that their manuscript had been accepted for publication. I looked online at the journal website and, sure enough, the paper is there. I just read through it, and it appears that they actually did fix the problems I had with the manuscript. One thing that annoys me: they added me to the Acknowledgments section. I wish they had just left me off, especially considering the wording of the acknowledgment. It seriously diminished my role in the project. All things considered, though, that's better than the alternative. The Minion's weak analytical work is still there, so no one can accuse me of being a part of her sloppy analysis.

One nice thing about PPI's e-mail message: he thanked me again for my apology and gave one of his own. He admitted that I had good suggestions for the data analysis and presentation that he ignored in his "zeal for the work." He also said that my suggestions ultimately strengthened the paper. How's that for a mea culpa? Yet again, PPI comes out looking much better than The Minion and PHB.

I have not yet responded to his message and am still contemplating how to do so. Suggestions would be welcome, as always. "Who's the asshole" says that a gracious, congratulatory response is in order, I think. You have no idea how much I'd love to take this opportunity to completely go off on The Minion, which is why I haven't responded yet.

[Lavabe]

Today, on my first day back at work after vacation, I received an e-mail from PPI, letting me know that their manuscript had been accepted for publication. I looked online at the journal website and, sure enough, the paper is there. I just read through it, and it appears that they actually did fix the problems I had with the manuscript. One thing that annoys me: they added me to the Acknowledgments section. I wish they had just left me off, especially considering the wording of the acknowledgment. It seriously diminished my role in the project. All things considered, though, that's better than the alternative. The Minion's weak analytical work is still there, so no one can accuse me of being a part of her sloppy analysis.

One nice thing about PPI's e-mail message: he thanked me again for my apology and gave one of his own. He admitted that I had good suggestions for the data analysis and presentation that he ignored in his "zeal for the work." He also said that my suggestions ultimately strengthened the paper. How's that for a mea culpa? Yet again, PPI comes out looking much better than The Minion and PHB.

I have not yet responded to his message and am still contemplating how to do so. Suggestions would be welcome, as always. "Who's the asshole" says that a gracious, congratulatory response is in order, I think. You have no idea how much I'd love to take this opportunity to completely go off on The Minion, which is why I haven't responded yet.

Given the circumstances, that's as good as you could reasonably expect. At least one person listened, in terms of the manuscript. the BIGGEST thing is that this doesn't harm your writing record.

[captmojo]

Most importantly...

The Minion's weak analytical work is still there, so no one can accuse me of being a part of her sloppy analysis.

[windsor]

I concur with Lavabe...that is probably as good as it is going to get. Given your current job quest I would resist the temptation to ruffle any feathers and graciously accept PPIs apology - making sure to forward his e-mail to an offiste account (as well as your reply). The Minion Bus Toss will need to wait for another, brighter day.

Carry On!

[DukieInKansas]

At least the PPI realized that you had legitimate concerns and did something about it. You should feel great that you stuck to your guns and held them to a higher standard. I doubt that Minion or PHB will ever figure out how you saved their bacon.

[ArkieDukie]

At least the PPI realized that you had legitimate concerns and did something about it. You should feel great that you stuck to your guns and held them to a higher standard. I doubt that Minion or PHB will ever figure out how you saved their bacon.

I suspect that PHB knows, but he will never admit it. His ego will not allow it. The Minion, however, is not smart enough to realize it. She probably still thinks I was being unreasonable. That's fine with me. I seriously hope that PHB and PPI in particular are more skeptical about The Minion's data analysis from here on out. Unfortunately, I doubt that they will be. Fortunately, it's not my problem.

[windsor]

At least the PPI realized that you had legitimate concerns and did something about it. You should feel great that you stuck to your guns and held them to a higher standard. I doubt that Minion or PHB will ever figure out how you saved their bacon.

I suspect that PHB knows, but he will never admit it. His ego will not allow it. The Minion, however, is not smart enough to realize it. She probably still thinks I was being unreasonable. That's fine with me. I seriously hope that PHB and PPI in particular are more skeptical about The Minion's data analysis from here on out. Unfortunately, I doubt that they will be. Fortunately, it's not my problem.

On your very last day there (or as close to that as is practical) you pull the PPI aside (in person). You lean in to them (because you are going to be speak VERY softly) and thank PPI for recognizing your concerns and then say something like "look, in the future please keep an eye on minions data analysis - I won't be here to go behind her and double check anymore...and I really don't want anything to be submitted that might embrass the lab...just keep your eyes open be skeptical if anything looks a little off" ...follow with the standard nice to work with you see you around stuff...wish PPI the best of luck (throw in your best 'you poor bastard' look) and walk away with smile....while humming 'the wheels on the bus go round and round...round and round - ok maybe don't hum.)

[Turk]

On your very last day there (or as close to that as is practical) you pull the PPI aside (in person). You lean in to them (because you are going to be speak VERY softly) and thank PPI for recognizing your concerns and then say something like "look, in the future please keep an eye on minions data analysis - I won't be here to go behind her and double check anymore...and I really don't want anything to be submitted that might embrass the lab...just keep your eyes open be skeptical if anything looks a little off" ...follow with the standard nice to work with you see you around stuff...wish PPI the best of luck (throw in your best 'you poor bastard' look) and walk away with smile....while humming 'the wheels on the bus go round and round...round and round - ok maybe don't hum.)

Oh my, that's very very good, nay, brilliant!!

One minor point: I'd soften the "go behind her" wording with something a bit more general and a bit less personal, such as:

"I won't be here to double check the results anymore..." as you are a team player, and minion is the one who will be on point for future projects... Nothing personal, just business...

[windsor]

On your very last day there (or as close to that as is practical) you pull the PPI aside (in person). You lean in to them (because you are going to be speak VERY softly) and thank PPI for recognizing your concerns and then say something like "look, in the future please keep an eye on minions data analysis - I won't be here to go behind her and double check anymore...and I really don't want anything to be submitted that might embrass the lab...just keep your eyes open be skeptical if anything looks a little off" ...follow with the standard nice to work with you see you around stuff...wish PPI the best of luck (throw in your best 'you poor bastard' look) and walk away with smile....while humming 'the wheels on the bus go round and round...round and round - ok maybe don't hum.)

Oh my, that's very very good, nay, brilliant!!

One minor point: I'd soften the "go behind her" wording with something a bit more general and a bit less personal, such as:

"I won't be here to double check the results anymore..." as you are a team player, and minion is the one who will be on point for future projects... Nothing personal, just business...

Turk makes a good point. less personal would be better.

[ArkieDukie]

On your very last day there (or as close to that as is practical) you pull the PPI aside (in person). You lean in to them (because you are going to be speak VERY softly) and thank PPI for recognizing your concerns and then say something like "look, in the future please keep an eye on minions data analysis - I won't be here to go behind her and double check anymore...and I really don't want anything to be submitted that might embrass the lab...just keep your eyes open be skeptical if anything looks a little off" ...follow with the standard nice to work with you see you around stuff...wish PPI the best of luck (throw in your best 'you poor bastard' look) and walk away with smile....while humming 'the wheels on the bus go round and round...round and round - ok maybe don't hum.)

Oh my, that's very very good, nay, brilliant!!

One minor point: I'd soften the "go behind her" wording with something a bit more general and a bit less personal, such as:

"I won't be here to double check the results anymore..." as you are a team player, and minion is the one who will be on point for future projects... Nothing personal, just business...

Turk makes a good point. less personal would be better.

Thanks to both of you for the excellent advice! I've been thinking I would do something along these lines, and I like your suggestions for how to handle it.

[ArkieDukie]

The infamous manuscript is finally published. It's featured on the cover of the most prominent journal in my field. I took a look at the editorial board for the journal, and the editor of the journal is someone that PHB used to work for. Now I've solved the mystery of how this pile of crap was accepted for publication.

Although they said they fixed everything, a closer reading reveals that they did not. The work is still protrayed as coming from a single experiment. I need to decide how to proceed.

[Lavabe]

The infamous manuscript is finally published. It's featured on the cover of the most prominent journal in my field. I took a look at the editorial board for the journal, and the editor of the journal is someone that PHB used to work for. Now I've solved the mystery of how this pile of crap was accepted for publication.

Although they said they fixed everything, a closer reading reveals that they did not. The work is still protrayed as coming from a single experiment. I need to decide how to proceed.

F * * *!

Might be nice to see if anyone publishes a letter response.

But still...

F * * *!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

The infamous manuscript is finally published. It's featured on the cover of the most prominent journal in my field. I took a look at the editorial board for the journal, and the editor of the journal is someone that PHB used to work for. Now I've solved the mystery of how this pile of crap was accepted for publication.

Although they said they fixed everything, a closer reading reveals that they did not. The work is still protrayed as coming from a single experiment. I need to decide how to proceed.

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

Great reply, Ozzie! Round 2 is gonna be fun!
Love, Ima

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Great reply, Ozzie! Round 2 is gonna be fun!
Love, Ima

I was really hoping to find somebody blowing a whistle, like a ref, but we don't have that smilie.