I do recall with some specificity my concern about the piece. When editors
would call on me to review articles by construct theorists, I always have a
strong inclination toward acceptance because I believe our stuff needs to be
seen in the more mainstream outlets. Therefore, it is always sad for me when
I have to recommend rejection. I cannot recall the specifics of the reason for
the recommendation (and the rat lab above my office literally sprung a leak a
few years ago and the roof literally fell in on me and ruined some old files so
I can't review my notes). However, any idea that I would squelch something
because I wanted to protect Bob from criticism is ridiculous. I have disagreed
with Bob on several occasions, including aspects of death threat research. I
even have recommended rejection of a couple of Bob's articles over the years.
(He, no doubt, has done the same to me!! [Or maybe will in the future now :)])
I hope that, when I have done that, I have been specific as to the reasons why.
I also hope that I was specific as to the reasons why I recommended rejection
of Bill's paper. Anyway, as I recall, the other reviewer and the editor agreed
with my recommendation with regard to Bill's paper.
Anyway, to sum up, I do not believe one rejected article ruins an adacdemic
career. If so, mine has been ruined many times over!! However, if Bill needs
to be bitter about that particular article, let him direct his anger at me,
not Bob.
Larry Leitner
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