Signals are an important part of the JoPP peer review process. They are intended to widen the scope of publishable articles by placing the reputational cost of publishing an imperfect article on authors, rather than on the journal.
Please note:
Positive signal = 1, negative signal = 0, positive/negative signal = 0.5
Only signals marked with a “*” are used to calculate the JoPP Signal.
Objective categories
Activist: 2/3
Article proposes a critique of a policy or practice with specific action proposals or suggestions.
Academic: 3/3*
Article follows conventions of academic research article — e.g. position in literature, cited sources, and claimed contribution.
Prospective: 0/3
Article is based on developments that have not yet occurred.
Formalised: 0/3
Article is based on formal logic or mathematical technique.
Language quality: 3/3*
Standard of English expression in article is excellent.
Subjective categories
Scope of debate: 2/3
Article addresses an issue which is widely known and debated.
Comprehensiveness: 3/3*
Most related sources are mentioned in article [this is an invitation to careful selection rather than a demonstration of prowess in citation collection — i.e. apt and representative choices made in source citations.
Logical flow: 3/3*
Ideas are well organised in article.
Originality: 1.5/3*
The argument presented in article is new.
Review impact: 3/3
The article has been significantly changed as a result of the review process
Commendations
Reviewers indicate their appreciation of the article in the form of a 50 word statement.
Reviewer A
This article provides a much-needed overview and critical commentary on the local Civic Tech scene in Toronto and its social and organizational dynamics.
Reviewer B
A thoroughly researched, empirical case study of a group supporting autonomous technology development in Toronto, adding to ongoing research on Commons-based Peer Production.
Reviewer C
This article is very engaging and picks up on key issues relevant for understanding the intersection of democracy and technology. It is rich in imagery and a lot of fun to read. At the same time, its analytical sharpness engages with and contributes to understanding commoning governance structures, community-based peer-production and its role in creating new narratives for on technology production.