On why I don't fire coauthors (or five ways to deal with a lousy coauthor).
I was asked how to fire a coauthor during a presentation on writing papers.
I stumbled a bit.
I may not have ever actually fired a coauthor.
I could improve at confrontation.
Plus, I need to find out if it is ethical.
Why?
Because I try to live by American Psychological Association (APA) standards which make it hard to let go of a brutal, lazy, or outright evil coauthor.
So what options do you have?
First, finish the paper.
This is the best option.
Often, my team will simply wrap up the paper, send it to the sandbagging coauthor for review, and then put it back under review.
While it does not feel good to let someone sandbag, it does mean that our behavior is ethical. It also means that the sandbagger can't complain about our work.
Second, I have asked sandbaggers if they want to stay on papers.
One dropped off. That person regrets dropping off a paper that later appeared in a top journal.
One stayed on. That person made about four edits to the paper that later appeared in a top journal.
While asking was awkward, I was ok with both of them - bc I can still sleep at night.
Third, Do nothing.
Ghost on the paper.
An audience member suggested this. Usually, and the person was correct, papers die if they are left to sandbaggers.
Why? BC, they aren't interested in doing the work; they simply want credit for it.
But, you are left with the guilt of abandoning the rest of the team.
Fourth, quit the paper.
Have a blunt conversation, wish the team your best, and move on.
I've done this twice in my career. It damaged some friendships.
Friendships are more valuable to me than papers.
I do know people that do this routinely. They have a different motivational structure than I do. They are transactional - I'm relational - in my approach to life.
Finally, keep working as if all is well.
Grind it out.
I know plenty of people who take this option.
I'm doing it now. I hate every single email thread with that person.
But open conflict just isn't worth it.
I think it is better to look forward.
All five options lead to one conclusion - you should never work with someone who makes you unhappy again - life is short - work with friends.
Let's build a better academy based on being civil and decent, not exploiting our coauthors!
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