Promoting constructive feedback on preprints with the FAST principles

Area of Science:

• Scholarly communication
• Scientific publishing
• Open science practices

Background:

• Preprints offer rapid dissemination of research findings but often lack rigorous peer review.
• Public feedback mechanisms on preprints are crucial for scientific quality and validation.
• Current preprint feedback systems can be unfocused, inappropriate, or lack transparency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and advocate for the Focused, Appropriate, Specific, and Transparent (FAST) feedback framework for preprints.
• To outline the principles and benefits of the FAST system for improving preprint evaluation.
• To encourage the adoption of FAST feedback to cultivate a constructive preprint commenting culture.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development for FAST feedback criteria.
• Analysis of existing preprint commenting platforms and their limitations.
• Proposal of guidelines for implementing FAST principles in preprint reviews.

Main Results:

• The FAST framework provides clear criteria for constructive preprint feedback.
• Implementing FAST can enhance the quality and utility of public comments on preprints.
• A FAST system promotes a more transparent and accountable review process.

Conclusions:

• The FAST feedback framework is essential for developing a thriving preprint review culture.
• Adoption of FAST principles will improve the reliability and impact of preprints.
• FAST feedback is key to advancing open science and scholarly communication.