eMJA: Let’s cut to the chase: quotes from MJA contributors in 2008

Quotable Quotes

Let’s cut to the chase: quotes from MJA contributors in 2008

Ann T Gregory

MJA 2008; 189 (11/12): 645

The phrase “cut to the chase” is thought to have originated as a script direction in early silent films which, after some romantic meanderings, would often climax in chase scenes.1 The phrase’s figurative meaning — to get straight to the point — emerged by the 1940s, and is very popular with MJA medical editors today when advising aspiring contributors. We like original submissions that are pithy and leave no doubt as to their intention.

We happily share the following delightful observations received in Journal correspondence this year that relate to various aspects of medical publishing. Not one “beats around the bush” (but that’s another story).

Introductions: how to charm an editor

The cover letters that accompany submissions to the Journal tend to follow a standard format. However, on occasion, one does stand out from the crowd:

Author: I have not been [to] your beautiful country yet, let my words visit it first.

(Editor’s note: This paper did not proceed to print in the MJA, as it did not meet Journal criteria for publication.)

Methods: you’re not fooling me

Reviewer: Certainly the authors used both quantitative and qualitative approaches, but the mere conjunction of such approaches in the one study does not constitute a mixed-methods approach. By their demonstration, throwing flour, eggs and water in a bowl will produce pasta. Not unless some skill and care is applied, I’m afraid!

Results: please explain

Reviewer: The comment about the average 22% overall growth in physician service provides no timescale for this growth. I certainly hope it is not annual or we will all be very busy.

Discussion: enough is enough

Reviewer: It is ... irritating to have studies call for [general practitioner] education, when GPs educate themselves silly, to, apparently, little avail. Is there no better way to change activity?

Conflict of interest: pardon me

Reviewer: I wrote the reference I’m recommending, but it IS the best paper on the subject out of Australia.

(Editor’s note: The “best paper” HAD won an award.)

Conclusions: you asked for it

Reviewer: In direct answer to your question about whether this submission has “legs”, I believe it’s safe to say that if this submission were a dinner table, the guests would be eating on the floor.

To the Editor: you’ve got to be kidding me!

Author’s reply: I find it very hard to respond briefly (and politely) to a letter which, in misreading, misinterpreting and misquoting what I have written, sets me up as a straw man to be knocked down.

End note

Reviewer: I’ll stop this review before it’s longer than the worthwhile parts of the paper under consideration.

Author details Ann T Gregory, MB BS, GradDipPopHealth, Deputy Editor

Medical Journal of Australia, Sydney, NSW.

Correspondence: medjaustATampco.com.au

References

The Phrase Finder. Meanings and origins of phrases, sayings and idioms [website]. http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/107300.html (accessed Nov 2008).

(Received 10 Nov 2008, accepted 10 Nov 2008)