On arXiv moderation system

TL;DR

This paper discusses the impact of moderation on arXiv's role in democratizing science and proposes improvements inspired by the MathOverflow moderation system to better align with arXiv's original mission.

Contribution

It introduces a new moderation approach for arXiv, drawing on successful practices from MathOverflow to enhance content quality while supporting scientific democratization.

Findings

Moderation affects arXiv's cultural and scientific role

MathOverflow's moderation system offers valuable insights

Proposed improvements aim to balance quality and openness

Abstract

The advent of arXiv has revolutionized scientific communication. However, its cultural significance goes far beyond simply accelerating scholarly communication. The arXiv gave a powerful impetus to the democratization of science, freeing young scientists and not only, especially from totalitarian countries, from authoritarian oppression. Many of arXiv's innovative features have been blurred by the introduction of a moderation system. Without a doubt, a moderation system is essential to maintain the quality of arXiv content. However, I believe that it can be improved in line with arXiv's original intentions, using the very successful experience of the MathOverflow moderation system.