Where to publish your research paper?

One of my nephews called me and asked me about the particular journal. I checked the journal website. They announced their IF is around 2, but the journal was started just few months before.

I have also read several inquiries on comments about IF of some journals in many blogs, webs, among others   (for instance, check here). Specially, these questions are raised by the young Indian students.

There are several questions similar to this question: Does impact factors (IF) really matter?

First of all we should know, what is IF?

The IF is a number calculated annually by Thomson ISI (www.isiknowledge.com) based on the frequency with which articles published in a given journal over a 2-year period are cited in the subsequent calendar year [1].

Is the IF calculated by Thomson Reuters is standard?

The quick answer is Yes.

Although, there are other organizations they calculate IF, but IF calculated by Thomson Reuters is assumed to be standard. Some other controversial IF issues discussed here, and here.

How to choose a journal?

1.     Select a journal that has at least 5 years of publishing history, editor-in-chief’s details, complete physical address, and indexing details.

2.     Select a journal indexed in Thomson Reuters Master Journal List.

3.     Most of all journals mention in their website whether it is indexed in SCI/SCIE/SSCI/AHCI or not.

4.     If it’s not mentioned in their website, then visit http://ip-science.thomsonreuters.com/mjl/ , and search the Journal on the database.

5.     You can search the journal with title word, full journal title, or ISSN. (First find the ISSN of the journal from the journal site.

6.     If you want to check IF, visit this site http://admin.webofknowledge.com/SessionError.cgi?&DestApp=JCR&Error=No+SID+Received
7. Remember, most of the journals are FREE journals, you do not need to pay single penny to publish or peer review your article. Of course, some of the 'Open access' journals are not free. Before, you submit the paper check whether the journal is whether it is indexed in SCI/SCIE/SSCI/AHCI or not. Don't waste your time and money. 

Many criticize the ranking of the journal by IF, but it is one of the popular and standard ways to rank the academic journals. Many word class universities and professors consider journal ranking based on it.

I am suggesting here, because I was also a victim. Once, one of my coworker published paper in one journal. After one year the paper was disappeared. Now, I have doubt, should I write that journal publication in my CV or not. Therefore you have to think twice before submitting your paper. You have to find the answer "Where should NOT publish your paper?". 

[1] The history and meaning of the journal impact factor. JAMA 295:90–93.

Other interesting readings are here: 

1. Fake open-access journals flourish in India: Science - The Hindu

2. A Journal which can review any paper within 48 hrs. 

3. Some Online Journals Will Publish Fake Science, For A Fee

* Views in this article, except cited, are my personal views. Other people may have different views. The things mentioned in the blog may not be applied to all the journals or individuals.