JC works best when reading a paper feels like talking with thoughtful colleagues.
-
Share your experience. Everyone has something to add. Provide the context and knowledge you have — accuracy is often context-dependent, and even small technical details are worth sharing.
-
Ask freely. No question is too basic. If something in a paper isn’t clear to you, it probably isn’t clear to others either — asking helps everyone.
-
Engage with the content. Point to claims, methods, and evidence — never the authors' competence or intent. "This conclusion may not hold in X context" moves the conversation forward; "the authors clearly didn't think this through" shuts it down.
-
Say why. A good comment provides rationale. Vague praise and vague criticism are equally hard to learn from. The most useful comments include a "because."
-
Presume good intent. Read papers and comments charitably. A measured reply earns the most respect. Remember, we’re here to help each other.