Post-Publication Discussion Policy

1. General Policy

The Borneo Journal of Language and Education (BENJOLE) recognizes that scholarly communication continues after an article has been published. Post-publication discussion provides an opportunity for researchers, readers, and other members of the academic community to examine published findings, exchange perspectives, clarify interpretations, and contribute to the development of knowledge.

BENJOLE welcomes constructive, evidence-based academic discussion concerning articles published in the journal. Such discussion should promote scholarly understanding, methodological transparency, intellectual exchange, and the continuous improvement of research.

All post-publication contributions are subject to editorial assessment to ensure that they are relevant, academically sound, respectful, and consistent with the journal's publication ethics policies.

2. Scope of Post-Publication Discussion

Post-publication discussion may address articles published in BENJOLE, including research articles, literature reviews, systematic literature reviews, research and development studies, and other scholarly contributions within the journal's Focus and Scope.

Eligible topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Critical examination of research arguments, interpretations, or conclusions.
• Discussion of theoretical frameworks, conceptual approaches, or methodological choices.
• Clarification of findings, research procedures, or scholarly interpretations.
• Identification of overlooked literature, alternative explanations, or relevant perspectives.
• Reanalysis or reinterpretation of published findings where supported by appropriate evidence.
• Discussion of the implications of published research for language education, linguistics, literature, educational technology, and related fields.
• Identification of limitations or opportunities for further research.
• Other substantive academic contributions that advance understanding of previously published work.

Post-publication discussion should contribute meaningfully to scholarly debate rather than merely express personal disagreement or dissatisfaction.

3. Submission of Post-Publication Contributions

Readers, researchers, and other interested parties may submit a post-publication contribution to the BENJOLE editorial office for consideration.

Submissions should identify the article being discussed and provide a clear explanation of the issues raised. Where applicable, contributors should include the article title, author names, publication year, DOI or article URL, and relevant supporting references or evidence.

A submission should:

• Present a clear and relevant academic argument.
• Be supported by appropriate evidence and scholarly references.
• Distinguish factual claims from interpretations or opinions.
• Use professional, respectful, and objective language.
• Disclose relevant conflicts of interest.
• Comply with applicable copyright, confidentiality, and research ethics requirements.
• Avoid plagiarism, defamatory statements, personal attacks, and unsupported allegations.

Contributors should ensure that their submissions represent their own work and appropriately acknowledge the sources on which their arguments are based.

The editorial office may request clarification, additional documentation, or revisions before considering a contribution further.

4. Editorial Assessment

All proposed post-publication contributions are subject to editorial assessment before publication.

The editorial team will consider:

• Relevance to an article published in BENJOLE.
• Academic significance and potential contribution to scholarly understanding.
• Accuracy and adequacy of the supporting evidence.
• Clarity, coherence, and quality of the argument.
• Fairness in representing the work being discussed.
• Compliance with publication ethics and the journal's editorial policies.
• Potential conflicts of interest or other ethical concerns.

The editor may accept a contribution, request revisions, seek independent expert advice, or decline publication when the submission does not meet the journal's requirements.

Where a contribution raises substantive technical or methodological questions, the editor may consult qualified experts or request an independent assessment.

Acceptance of a post-publication contribution is not guaranteed, and the editorial team retains responsibility for the final publication decision.

5. Right of Response

BENJOLE recognizes the importance of allowing authors an appropriate opportunity to respond to substantive academic criticism of their published work.

Where a post-publication contribution raises significant questions about an article's methods, interpretation, findings, or conclusions, the editorial team may invite the original authors to submit a response.

Responses should address the issues raised directly, provide relevant evidence or clarification, and maintain a professional academic tone.

The original authors' response may be assessed by the editor and, where necessary, by independent experts. The journal may publish the contribution and response together or link them to facilitate balanced scholarly discussion.

The original authors' participation is voluntary unless otherwise required by an applicable editorial or ethical process. The absence of a response does not automatically invalidate the concerns raised, nor does it establish that the criticism is correct.

6. Publication and Linking of Contributions

Where a post-publication contribution is accepted, BENJOLE may publish it as a separate scholarly item, commentary, correspondence, or another appropriate publication format supported by the journal's publishing system.

The contribution should clearly identify the article under discussion and provide a stable link or appropriate bibliographic reference to the original publication.

Where an author's response is also published, the journal should link the related items so readers can understand the discussion in context.

Published contributions are subject to the journal's applicable publication standards, including editorial review, authorship requirements, citation practices, copyright, licensing, and relevant ethical policies.

The format, placement, and publication schedule of accepted contributions are determined by the editorial team.

7. Distinction Between Scholarly Discussion and Research Misconduct Allegations

Post-publication discussion is intended primarily to support scholarly debate, clarification, and critical evaluation.

However, some contributions may raise concerns about plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, unethical research, manipulated peer review, or other forms of research or publication misconduct.

When a contribution contains credible evidence of potential misconduct, BENJOLE will assess the concern under its Allegations of Research Misconduct policy rather than treating the matter solely as ordinary scholarly discussion.

The editorial team may request supporting evidence, contact the authors concerned, consult independent experts, or refer the matter to the relevant institution or research organization where appropriate.

An allegation is not considered proven merely because it appears in a submitted comment or discussion.

8. Relationship with Corrections and Retractions

Post-publication discussion does not replace the journal's procedures for correcting or retracting published articles.

When a contribution identifies a potential factual error, significant omission, or concern that may affect the reliability of a published article, the editorial team will assess whether the issue requires a formal editorial action.

Depending on the circumstances, BENJOLE may:

• Publish a scholarly comment or response.
• Request clarification from the original authors.
• Publish a correction where an error can be appropriately corrected.
• Issue an Expression of Concern when significant questions remain unresolved and readers need to be informed.
• Retract an article when the available evidence and circumstances justify retraction.

These decisions will be handled in accordance with BENJOLE's Correction and Retraction Policy and other relevant publication ethics policies.

A scholarly disagreement or difference in interpretation does not, by itself, constitute grounds for correction or retraction.

9. Conflicts of Interest and Ethical Conduct

Contributors and responding authors must disclose relevant financial, professional, personal, or institutional interests that could reasonably be perceived to influence their arguments or responses.

Editors must manage conflicts of interest and ensure that post-publication contributions are assessed impartially.

All parties must respect confidentiality, applicable intellectual property rights, and the legitimate interests of individuals involved in the discussion.

BENJOLE does not accept personal attacks, harassment, discriminatory language, threats, or unsupported allegations presented as established facts.

The journal may request revisions or decline contributions that fail to meet these standards.

10. Editorial Independence and Fairness

Editorial decisions concerning post-publication discussion must be based on academic relevance, evidential support, ethical compliance, and the journal's publication standards.

The journal will seek to assess criticism fairly, without favouring or disadvantaging contributors on the basis of institutional affiliation, professional status, personal relationships, or the position expressed.

Where the handling editor has a relevant conflict of interest, the matter should be assigned to an appropriately independent editor.

The journal aims to support open academic debate while protecting the reliability of the scholarly record and the rights of all parties involved.

11. Appeals and Complaints

Contributors who disagree with an editorial decision regarding a post-publication submission may submit a written appeal to the BENJOLE editorial office.

An appeal should identify the submission, explain the grounds for reconsideration, and provide relevant supporting evidence or academic arguments.

The editorial team will consider appeals fairly and impartially. Where practicable, an appeal should be assessed by an editor or qualified person who was not directly involved in the original decision and who has no relevant conflict of interest.

Complaints concerning editorial conduct, procedural fairness, or possible breaches of publication ethics may also be submitted to the editorial office.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee that the original decision will be changed.

12. Responsibilities of Contributors and Authors

Contributors are responsible for ensuring that their submissions are accurate, properly referenced, evidence-based, and ethically prepared.

Authors whose work is discussed are encouraged to respond constructively to substantive academic criticism and to provide clarification when appropriate.

All parties should respect the principles of academic integrity, intellectual fairness, and responsible scholarly communication.

The editorial team is responsible for assessing submissions, managing relevant ethical concerns, and determining appropriate editorial actions in accordance with BENJOLE's policies.

13. Related Policies

This policy should be read together with the following BENJOLE policies:

• Publication Ethics.
• Allegations of Research Misconduct.
• Correction and Retraction Policy.
• Plagiarism Policy.
• Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Authorship and Contribution Policy.
• Peer Review Process Policy.

14. Contact Information

Questions, comments, or submissions concerning post-publication discussion may be directed to the BENJOLE editorial office.

Email: jurnal.benjole@uinsi.ac.id

BENJOLE encourages responsible scholarly dialogue and constructive criticism as essential components of academic progress. The journal seeks to facilitate meaningful post-publication discussion while preserving fairness, transparency, research integrity, and the reliability of the scholarly record.