Mbspress.org Review

Based on looking at the website, mbspress.org appears to be an online book publishing platform called MB International Scholar Press.

They claim to publish a wide array of handbooks, textbooks, atlases, monographs, e-books, and reference books across various multidisciplinary domains.

However, a detailed review of their homepage reveals several areas that raise concerns regarding transparency and comprehensive information typically expected from a reputable scholarly publisher.

Overall Review Summary:

• Trustworthiness Score: Low
• Domain Age: Relatively new Copyright 2022 suggests recent establishment
• Transparency: Lacks clear information about editorial boards, specific author guidelines, or a robust ‘About Us’ section detailing their history and team.
• Professionalism: Some aspects of the website design and repetitive content may suggest a less mature or fully developed platform.
• Ethical Standing Islamic Perspective: From the information provided, there are no immediate red flags concerning un-Islamic content in the type of books published science, tech, medicine, etc.. However, the lack of transparency in operations could lead to issues if not managed ethically. The core service of publishing academic works is permissible.
• Recommendation: Caution advised. Further due diligence is strongly recommended before engaging with their services.

While mbspress.org positions itself as an international scholar press, the provided homepage text leaves much to be desired in terms of the granular detail that authors, researchers, and institutions typically look for when selecting a publisher.

Reputable presses often highlight their peer-review processes with greater specificity, list their editorial board members with their academic affiliations, and provide detailed submission guidelines that go beyond a general “Submit Now” call to action.

The repeated listing of “New Innovations in Chemistry and Biochemistry Vol.

8″ and vague promises of “fast and high quality processing” without concrete evidence or third-party endorsements beyond an internal “testimonial page” link contribute to a less-than-stellar impression.

For anyone seeking to publish their scholarly work, the emphasis should always be on clarity, established academic rigor, and a proven track record, none of which are definitively showcased here.

Here are some alternatives for ethical and reputable publishing services:

• Elsevier: A global leader in scientific, technical, and medical information products and services.
  • Key Features: Extensive peer-review processes, global distribution, high impact factor journals, vast multidisciplinary coverage.
  • Average Price: Varies significantly by journal/book, often includes article processing charges APCs for open access.
  • Pros: Highly reputable, wide reach, strong indexing, professional editorial support.
  • Cons: Can be expensive for open access, lengthy review times.
• Springer Nature: A major global research, educational and professional publisher.
  • Key Features: Publishes journals and books across science, technology, medicine, and humanities. Strong focus on research integrity.
  • Average Price: Similar to Elsevier, APCs for open access.
  • Pros: Excellent reputation, diverse portfolio, good author support.
  • Cons: Can have high APCs, competitive submission process.
• Wiley: A multinational publishing company focusing on academic publishing and professional development.
  • Key Features: Wide range of scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals and books. Robust peer-review system.
  • Average Price: Varies based on publication type and open access choices.
  • Pros: Well-established, broad subject coverage, good author services.
  • Cons: Cost can be a barrier for some authors, review process can be slow.
• Taylor & Francis Group: One of the world’s largest publishers of academic books and journals.
  • Key Features: Publishes across all disciplines, strong focus on humanities and social sciences.
  • Average Price: Depends on publication model, often includes APCs.
  • Pros: Large catalog, good for interdisciplinary research, global reach.
  • Cons: Some authors report varied experiences with editorial support.
• Cambridge University Press: A department of the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s oldest publishing houses.
  • Key Features: Publishes academic and educational books, journals, and digital products. Known for quality and scholarly rigor.
  • Average Price: Varies by publication type, often more focused on traditional publishing models.
  • Pros: Highly prestigious, strong academic reputation, excellent quality control.
  • Cons: Very selective, submission process can be lengthy.
• Oxford University Press: The largest university press in the world and the second oldest university press overall.
  • Key Features: Publishes academic research, educational materials, and English language teaching resources.
  • Average Price: Typically based on sales and royalties, some open access options.
  • Pros: Unparalleled prestige, rigorous peer review, global distribution.
  • Cons: Extremely competitive, long publication timelines.
• American Psychological Association APA Publishing: A leading publisher in psychology and related fields.
  • Key Features: Specializes in psychology books and journals, strong ethical guidelines for research.
  • Average Price: Varies. often royalty-based for books, APCs for open access journals.
  • Pros: Highly specialized and reputable within its field, strong editorial standards.
  • Cons: Niche focus, not suitable for all disciplines.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Mbspress.org Review & First Look

When we first landed on mbspress.org, the immediate impression was that of a book publishing organization.

The homepage prominently displays “MB International Scholar Press” and outlines its ambition to publish a “diverse range of handbooks, textbooks, atlases, monographs, e-books and reference books” across “multidisciplinary domains.” This initial presentation is standard for a publisher, setting expectations for a platform that facilitates scholarly communication.

However, the true test lies in the details—or lack thereof.

Initial Observations and First Impressions

The website uses a clean layout, with a large slider background and clear sections.

Contact information, including a phone number 7439016438 and email [email protected], is visible at the top, which is a good sign for basic accessibility.

They highlight statistics like “950 + PUBLISHED BOOKS,” “40 k+ RENOWNED SCHOLARS,” and “140 + COUNTRY REACH,” alongside “3 + YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.” While these numbers are presented to instill confidence, without verifiable external metrics or affiliations, they remain self-reported claims.

For comparison, a major publisher like Elsevier publishes over 2,500 journals and 43,000 book titles annually, indicating the vast scale of established players.

Website Navigation and Content Clarity

Navigating the site, the main calls to action are “Submit Now” and “Submit Your Manuscript,” indicating their primary goal of attracting authors.

They list “New Releases” and “Upcoming Books,” all featuring the same generic title “New Innovations in Chemistry and Biochemistry Vol. 8” repeatedly.

This repetition, particularly with the same book title, raises a red flag regarding the dynamic content generation or the breadth of their actual published catalog. Kollybollyethnics.com Review

A reputable publisher would showcase a variety of recent and upcoming titles across different disciplines they claim to cover.

This singular focus, even if a placeholder, detracts from the professional image.

Mbspress.org Features

The website outlines several publishing services, which are crucial for authors considering a publisher.

These services encompass the typical stages of academic publishing, from manuscript submission to distribution.

However, the description of these features remains high-level, lacking the specific process details that serious researchers often seek.

Peer-Review, Editing, and Plagiarism Checking

Mbspress.org claims to offer “Peer-review, editing and plagiarism checking.” This is fundamental for academic integrity. However, the crucial information about how their peer-review process works e.g., single-blind, double-blind, open peer review, the qualifications of their peer reviewers, or the specific tools they use for plagiarism detection e.g., Turnitin, iThenticate is absent. Without these specifics, the claim is generic and cannot be independently verified. For instance, major publishers often detail their peer-review policies extensively on their websites, sometimes even publishing their peer-review guides for authors and reviewers.

• Peer Review: The cornerstone of academic publishing. The lack of detailed methodology is a significant gap.
• Editing: “Specialized English editing and proofreading” is promised. Again, the experience and qualifications of their editors are not mentioned.
• Plagiarism Checking: Essential for ensuring originality. Transparency on the tools or protocols used would enhance trust.

Digital Object Identifier DOI and ISBN Allotment

The website states “Digital Object Identifier DOI allotment” and “E-ISBN and Print ISBN number allotment.” DOIs are crucial for permanent identification and citation of digital academic content, while ISBNs are standard for books.

These are expected services from any legitimate publisher.

The integration with cross-referencing services like CrossRef for DOIs is standard practice for publishers to ensure discoverability and citation tracking.

• DOI: Important for discoverability and citation.
• ISBN: Standard book identification.
• Online Publication: They mention “Online publication of the book and hardcopy printing in the press,” which implies both digital and physical distribution.

Copyright and Open Access Policies

The site states, “Normally Books will be closed access and authors will retain the copyright of the book chapter/ books. Special requests of open access publication can also be considered in case of a complete book.” This clarifies their default model as closed access, where content is typically behind a paywall, and authors retain copyright. The option for open access is noted as a “Special request.” This flexibility is positive, but the terms for open access e.g., potential article processing charges, specific licenses like Creative Commons are not detailed. Open access publishing, while requiring fees, significantly increases readership and impact, with studies showing open access articles often receive more citations. For example, a study published in PLoS One found that open access articles generally have higher citation rates. Salatie.com Review

• Author Copyright: Retaining copyright is generally favorable for authors.
• Closed vs. Open Access: Offers both, but details on open access terms are missing.

Promotion and Marketing Services

Mbspress.org also lists “Social media promotion of the book,” “Online Press release of the book,” “Advertisement of the book in different News portals and Blogs,” “Circulation of the book in a digital book store,” “Search engine promotion, back-linking and optimization,” and “Promotional video sharing on YouTube.” While these are desirable marketing efforts, the scope, reach, and actual impact of these promotions are vague.

Specific examples of news portals, blogs, or digital bookstores where books are circulated would add credibility.

Large publishers have established relationships with major academic databases and booksellers e.g., Amazon, Google Books, university libraries, JSTOR, ProQuest to ensure broad distribution.

• Marketing Scope: Promises broad digital promotion, but lacks specific outlets.
• Digital Bookstores: Absence of named digital bookstores where books are available.

Mbspress.org Pros & Cons

Based on the information available on the homepage, a balanced assessment of mbspress.org reveals both potential advantages and significant drawbacks.

The cons heavily outweigh the pros, especially for discerning authors looking for a reputable and transparent publishing partner.

Potential Pros Limited

• Stated Multidisciplinary Focus: The claim to cover a wide array of disciplines science, technology, medicine, arts, literature, etc. could appeal to authors from diverse fields.
• Basic Publishing Services Offered: They list essential services like peer-review, editing, ISBN/DOI allotment, and online/hardcopy publication, which are the fundamental requirements of any publisher.
• Direct Manuscript Submission: The “Submit Now” and “Submit Your Manuscript” calls to action are clear, making the submission process seem straightforward initially.
• Author Retains Copyright: This is a positive for authors who wish to maintain full rights to their intellectual property.

Significant Cons

• Lack of Transparency and Detail: This is the most critical drawback.
  • No Editorial Board: A reputable scholarly publisher would prominently display its editorial board, including names, affiliations, and credentials. The absence of this key information is a major red flag, as the editorial board is responsible for maintaining academic standards and peer-review integrity.
  • Vague Peer-Review Process: While “peer-review” is mentioned, there’s no detail on the type of review e.g., single-blind, double-blind, the number of reviewers, or the duration of the process. This ambiguity can obscure the rigor of their review.
  • Missing Author Guidelines: Beyond a “Submit Now” link, there are no specific author guidelines e.g., manuscript formatting, citation style, ethical submission policies readily available on the homepage.
  • No Physical Address or Company Registration: While a phone number and email are provided, the absence of a physical address or company registration details can make it difficult to verify their legitimacy.
• Repetitive and Generic Content: The repeated listing of “New Innovations in Chemistry and Biochemistry Vol. 8” as both a “New Release” and “Upcoming Book” is highly suspicious. It suggests a lack of actual diverse content or an underdeveloped website, detracting from professionalism.
• Unsubstantiated Claims: Statistics like “950 + PUBLISHED BOOKS,” “40 k+ RENOWNED SCHOLARS,” and “140 + COUNTRY REACH” are presented without any supporting evidence or external verification. Without verifiable data, these numbers hold little weight.
• Limited “About Us” Information: The “ABOUT OUR BOOK PUBLISHING COMPANY” section is brief and generic, failing to provide a deeper understanding of their mission, history, or the expertise of their team.
• Absence of Impact Metrics/Indexing: Reputable publishers often highlight their indexing in major databases e.g., Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and journal impact factors if applicable. Mbspress.org does not provide any such information.
• No Pricing Information: There is no mention of potential costs for publishing, such as Article Processing Charges APCs for open access or any other fees for their services. This lack of transparency regarding costs is concerning.
• Generic “Testimonial Page”: While a link to a “testimonial page” is provided, testimonials on a company’s own website are often curated and should be viewed with skepticism without external verification.

Mbspress.org Alternatives

Given the significant lack of transparency and detailed information on mbspress.org, authors should seek out well-established, reputable alternatives that prioritize academic rigor, transparent processes, and broad distribution.

Here are some categories of alternatives and examples:

University Presses

University presses are non-profit academic publishers that are part of a university system.

They are renowned for their scholarly rigor, rigorous peer review, and commitment to disseminating knowledge. Defimining.com Review

• University Press of Mississippi
  • Key Features: Focus on southern history, literature, podcast, and culture. Strong peer review.
  • Pros: High academic standards, strong reputation within their focus areas.
  • Cons: Niche focus, submission process can be competitive and lengthy.
• Harvard University Press
  • Key Features: Publishes books in humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Highly selective.
  • Pros: Prestigious, global reach, rigorous editorial process.
  • Cons: Very selective, slow submission and review process.

Major Commercial Academic Publishers

These are large, for-profit publishers with extensive global reach, established distribution networks, and sophisticated publishing platforms.

They offer a wide range of services, though often with associated costs especially for open access.

• Routledge part of Taylor & Francis Group
  • Key Features: Broad subject coverage across humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Extensive book series and journals.
  • Pros: Global distribution, good author support, wide subject areas.
  • Cons: Can be expensive for open access, varies in author experience.
• Palgrave Macmillan
  • Key Features: Focus on humanities, social sciences, and business. Known for scholarly monographs and textbooks.
  • Pros: Reputable, strong academic focus, good for specialized topics.
  • Cons: Often traditional publishing models, may have less open access flexibility.

Open Access Publishers with Strong Reputations

For authors specifically looking for open access options, several publishers have built strong reputations for quality and transparency, even if they operate on an Article Processing Charge APC model.

• Frontiers
  • Key Features: Open access publisher across many scientific and medical fields. Known for collaborative peer review.
  • Pros: High visibility for research, unique peer review model, fast publication.
  • Cons: APCs can be high, rapid growth has led to some quality concerns in specific journals.
• MDPI
  • Key Features: Multidisciplinary open access publisher, fast peer review and publication.
  • Pros: Rapid publication, broad subject coverage.
  • Cons: High APCs, some journals have faced scrutiny regarding rigor due to rapid publication.

Self-Publishing Platforms with academic focus

For authors who prefer full control and want to self-publish, these platforms offer tools and services.

While they lack traditional peer review from the platform, authors can arrange independent peer review.

• Amazon KDP Kindle Direct Publishing
  • Key Features: Easy to publish e-books and print-on-demand paperbacks. Global distribution via Amazon.
  • Pros: Full author control, fast publication, wide reach.
  • Cons: No editorial or peer-review support from Amazon, marketing is author’s responsibility, might not carry the same academic weight as traditional publishers.
• Lulu.com
  • Key Features: Print-on-demand and e-book publishing. Offers various book formats.
  • Pros: User-friendly, good for niche topics, retains high royalty share.
  • Cons: No editorial support, limited marketing services compared to traditional publishers.

When choosing an alternative, prioritize transparency, established peer-review processes, clear author guidelines, and verifiable track records of successful scholarly publication.

How to Verify a Publisher’s Legitimacy

In the world of academic publishing, distinguishing between legitimate publishers and predatory ones is crucial.

Given the red flags on mbspress.org, understanding how to verify a publisher’s legitimacy becomes paramount. It’s not just about getting your work out there.

It’s about safeguarding your intellectual property and academic reputation. Boltflare.com Review

Checking for Transparency and Affiliations

A legitimate publisher operates with a high degree of transparency. This means:

• Clear Contact Information: Not just an email and phone, but a verifiable physical address and registration details.
• Prominent Editorial Board: A list of respected academics with their affiliations. These individuals should be verifiable through their university or institutional websites. If a publisher doesn’t list their board, or if the board members are obscure or unverifiable, that’s a major warning sign.
• Detailed Policies: Comprehensive policies on peer review, publication ethics, retraction, copyright, and data privacy. For example, the Committee on Publication Ethics COPE provides guidelines that reputable publishers adhere to.
• Professional Website: A well-maintained, professional website with consistent information, no broken links, and relevant content. Repetitive or generic content, as seen on mbspress.org, is a red flag.

Reviewing Indexing and Archiving Practices

For academic work, discoverability and long-term access are vital.

• Indexing in Reputable Databases: Check if the publisher’s books or journals are indexed in major databases relevant to your field. For science and medicine, this might include Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, or specific subject-area databases. For humanities and social sciences, look for indexing in platforms like JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography, or PsycINFO. Predatory publishers often claim indexing in obscure or fake databases.
• Archiving Policies: Legitimate publishers ensure the long-term preservation of content through digital archiving services e.g., Portico, CLOCKSS, PubMed Central. This ensures that your work remains accessible even if the publisher ceases operations.

Assessing Peer Review and Publication Ethics

The peer review process is the bedrock of academic quality.

• Clearly Defined Peer Review: Understand their peer review model e.g., double-blind, single-blind, how many reviewers are involved, and the average turnaround time. Be wary of promises of “lightning-fast” review without credible explanation.
• Ethical Guidelines: Adherence to international ethical guidelines, such as those from COPE Committee on Publication Ethics or the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors ICMJE. These guidelines cover authorship, originality, conflict of interest, and research misconduct.
• Retraction Policies: A transparent policy for correcting errors or retracting fraudulent papers is a sign of a responsible publisher.

Checking External Reviews and Lists

Don’t rely solely on the publisher’s own claims.

• Consult ‘Beall’s List’ Archived: While no longer actively updated, Jeffrey Beall’s archived list of potential predatory publishers and journals remains a valuable resource.
• DOAJ Directory of Open Access Journals & DOAB Directory of Open Access Books: If considering open access, check if the publisher’s journals or books are listed in DOAJ or DOAB. These directories have strict criteria for inclusion.
• Scholarly Community Feedback: Search for reviews or discussions about the publisher on academic forums, social media, and professional networks. Fellow academics often share their experiences.
• Predatory Reports: Websites like Retraction Watch also track issues related to questionable publishing practices.

By diligently applying these checks, authors can significantly reduce their risk of falling prey to predatory publishers and ensure their valuable research finds a legitimate home.

Mbspress.org Pricing

One of the significant omissions on the mbspress.org homepage is any clear, transparent information regarding pricing for their publishing services.

In the academic publishing world, costs can range widely, and authors need to understand these financial commitments upfront.

The lack of this detail raises a considerable red flag.

Absence of Clear Pricing Models

A reputable publisher typically outlines its pricing structures, whether it’s through:

• Article Processing Charges APCs: Common in open access models, where authors or their institutions pay a fee to cover publication costs, making the content freely available. These fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Book Processing Charges BPCs: Similar to APCs but for books.
• Subscription Models: For traditional publishing, where readers or institutions pay for access, and authors might receive royalties.
• Hybrid Models: Offering both open access and traditional subscription options.

Mbspress.org’s homepage doesn’t mention any of these, which is highly unusual for a service-oriented publishing house. Socialsalerepreview9.blogspot.com Review

Their statement “Special requests of open access publication can also be considered in case of a complete book” implies there might be a cost involved for open access, but the specific fees, if any, are not disclosed.

Why Transparency in Pricing Matters

For authors, particularly those without institutional funding for publication fees, upfront pricing transparency is critical for budgeting and decision-making.

• Financial Planning: Authors need to know the potential costs before committing their manuscript. Surprising fees later in the process can lead to difficult situations.
• Avoiding Hidden Costs: A lack of upfront pricing can sometimes be a tactic used by less reputable publishers to spring unexpected charges on authors later.
• Comparability: Transparent pricing allows authors to compare the cost-effectiveness of different publishing options and assess the value proposition. For instance, knowing an APC is $2,000 for a journal helps an author decide if the journal’s impact factor and distribution justify the expense compared to another journal charging $1,000.
• Ethical Consideration: From an ethical standpoint, it is only fair to prospective authors to be fully aware of any financial obligations they might incur. This aligns with Islamic principles of clear dealings and avoiding ambiguity gharar in transactions.

Common Pricing Averages in Academic Publishing

While Mbspress.org offers no specifics, a general understanding of academic publishing costs can set expectations:

• Journal Article APCs: Typically range from $500 to $5,000 USD, with highly prestigious journals sometimes exceeding this. For example, Nature Communications Springer Nature has an APC of around $6,490, while many smaller society journals might charge $1,000-$2,000.
• Open Access Book BPCs: Can range from $5,000 to $20,000 USD or more, depending on the publisher’s prestige, book length, and services included.
• Traditional Publishing No Author Fees: In this model, authors typically do not pay to publish. The publisher covers costs and recoups them through sales, often paying royalties to the author e.g., 5-15% of net sales.

The complete absence of any pricing information on mbspress.org means authors would need to inquire directly, potentially committing time and effort before understanding the financial implications.

This lack of transparency is a significant concern for any serious academic considering their services.

How to Cancel Mbspress.org Subscription Hypothetical

While the mbspress.org homepage doesn’t mention any subscription services for readers or authors, or explicitly outline a free trial for publishing, it’s essential to consider how one would approach canceling any potential engagement, should such a service be introduced or implied later.

Given the lack of transparency, a hypothetical cancellation process would likely involve direct communication and careful documentation.

General Steps for Canceling Online Services

If mbspress.org were to implement subscription models or free trials for authors e.g., for a premium submission service or access to publishing tools, the cancellation process typically involves these steps:

1. Review Terms and Conditions: The first step is always to locate and thoroughly read the Terms and Conditions T&Cs or Service Level Agreements SLAs that were agreed upon when initiating the service. These documents should clearly outline the cancellation policy, notice periods, and any associated fees. However, no such documents are easily found or linked on the mbspress.org homepage.

2. Identify Contact Method for Cancellation: Most services provide a specific method for cancellation, such as: Mover.az Review

   • A dedicated cancellation link within a user dashboard.
   • An email address for cancellation requests.
   • A phone number for customer service.
   • A physical mailing address for formal written notice.

   Mbspress.org provides an email [email protected] and a phone number 7439016438. These would be the primary points of contact.

3. Initiate Cancellation Request:

   • Via Email: Send a clear, concise email stating your intent to cancel. Include all relevant account details e.g., username, registered email, submission ID if applicable. Request a confirmation of cancellation.
   • Via Phone: If calling, note the date, time, the name of the representative you spoke with, and a summary of the conversation. Request a written confirmation of cancellation.
   • Document Everything: Keep copies of all correspondence emails, chat logs and notes from phone calls. This documentation is vital in case of disputes.

4. Confirm Cancellation: Do not assume the service is canceled until you receive official confirmation. This might be an email, a notification in your account dashboard, or a confirmation number.

5. Check for Charges: After the expected cancellation date, monitor your bank statements or credit card bills to ensure no further charges are applied.

Challenges with Mbspress.org’s Current Transparency

The hypothetical scenario for canceling a subscription or free trial with mbspress.org is complicated by the current website’s transparency issues:

• No User Accounts/Dashboards Visible: The homepage doesn’t indicate a system where authors or users would manage subscriptions or trials through a personalized dashboard, which is common for such services.
• Absence of Terms of Service: Without readily accessible T&Cs, authors would be operating in the dark regarding cancellation policies, refund eligibility, or dispute resolution mechanisms. This lack of clear legal groundwork is a significant risk.
• Potential for Ambiguity: Given the generic nature of other information, it’s possible that any “subscription” or “trial” terms, if they existed, would be equally vague, leading to potential difficulties in disengaging from their services.

Therefore, should mbspress.org introduce any paid subscription or trial services in the future, extreme caution and thorough pre-engagement due diligence would be advised. The best practice is always to have a clear, written agreement outlining all terms, including cancellation clauses, before committing any funds or intellectual property.

Mbspress.org vs. Traditional Academic Publishers

When evaluating mbspress.org, it’s crucial to benchmark it against the established norms and practices of traditional academic publishers.

The distinctions highlight why mbspress.org, based on its current online presentation, falls short of the expectations for a reputable scholarly press.

Editorial Rigor and Peer Review

• Traditional Publishers: These publishers e.g., Elsevier, Springer Nature, University Presses have well-defined, rigorous, and often multi-stage peer-review processes e.g., double-blind peer review, where both author and reviewer identities are hidden. They often have large, distinguished editorial boards composed of leading experts in their fields who oversee the quality and integrity of the publications. Their peer review process is meticulously detailed on their websites, emphasizing academic integrity and scholarly contribution.
• Mbspress.org: While it mentions “Peer-review, editing and plagiarism checking,” there is no specific detail on the peer-review methodology, the composition or qualifications of their editorial board, or the specific standards they adhere to. This vagueness is a major concern, as a weak or non-existent peer review process can lead to the publication of low-quality or even flawed research.

Transparency and Professionalism

• Traditional Publishers: They operate with a high degree of transparency. Their websites clearly list physical addresses, corporate registration details, detailed contact information for various departments editorial, production, marketing, comprehensive author guidelines, and often ethical statements. They are often members of industry bodies like COPE Committee on Publication Ethics or STM International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers.
• Mbspress.org: Offers minimal transparency. Contact details are limited to a phone number and a generic email. There is no physical address, no mention of company registration, no detailed “About Us” section, and no clear affiliation with recognized academic bodies. The repetitive content and generic claims on the homepage further detract from a professional image.

Indexing, Archiving, and Distribution

• Traditional Publishers: Ensure broad distribution and long-term accessibility of published works. They actively seek indexing in major academic databases e.g., Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, JSTOR relevant to their disciplines, which greatly enhances the discoverability and citation potential of authors’ work. They also have robust digital archiving policies with services like Portico or CLOCKSS to guarantee perpetual access. Their books are distributed globally through established channels like Amazon, major library suppliers, and direct sales.
• Mbspress.org: Claims “Circulation of the book in a digital book store” and “Search engine promotion, back-linking and optimization,” but provides no specific names of these bookstores or databases. The absence of specific indexing in major academic databases or explicit archiving policies is a significant limitation. This means published work might have very limited visibility and discoverability in the scholarly community.

Pricing and Business Model

• Traditional Publishers: Have well-defined pricing models, whether it’s through subscriptions where authors don’t pay, Article Processing Charges APCs for open access clearly stated, or a hybrid approach. Their financial models are transparent, and authors understand the costs or royalty structures upfront.
• Mbspress.org: Provides no pricing information on its homepage. This lack of transparency regarding potential costs is a major red flag and makes it impossible for authors to assess the financial implications of publishing with them. This ambiguity stands in stark contrast to the clear financial expectations set by reputable publishers.

Reputation and Track Record

• Traditional Publishers: Have decades, if not centuries, of established reputation for publishing high-quality scholarly work. Their names are synonymous with academic excellence and trust. Their track records are verifiable through countless published works, citations, and academic recognition.
• Mbspress.org: The “3 + YEARS OF EXPERIENCE” claim as of a 2022 copyright date is relatively short for an “international scholar press.” The unsubstantiated claims of “950 + PUBLISHED BOOKS” and “40 k+ RENOWNED SCHOLARS” cannot be independently verified and lack the concrete evidence e.g., links to specific, diverse publications, verified scholar testimonials that would support such a rapid rise in stature.

In essence, mbspress.org’s presentation and stated services fall far short of the established benchmarks set by traditional academic publishers.

Onestopherbalshop.com Review

Authors seeking to publish their scholarly work are strongly advised to choose publishers with proven transparency, rigorous peer review, and established distribution channels to ensure their research contributes meaningfully to the global academic discourse.

Ethical Considerations for Academic Publishing

Beyond the functional aspects of publishing, ethical considerations play a paramount role, especially within an Islamic framework that values honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of beneficial knowledge.

When reviewing a platform like mbspress.org, these ethical dimensions are critical.

Integrity in Research and Publication

• Upholding Trust Amanah: In Islam, knowledge is a trust amanah. This extends to research and its dissemination. Publishers, authors, and reviewers all bear a responsibility to ensure the accuracy, originality, and truthfulness of published work. Any practice that undermines this trust, such as plagiarism, falsification of data, or undisclosed conflicts of interest, is fundamentally unethical.
• Transparency and Honesty Sidq: Ethical publishing demands transparency in all processes – from peer review to funding disclosures. A publisher that is vague about its operations, fees, or editorial standards fails to uphold sidq truthfulness and honesty in its dealings. The lack of detailed information on mbspress.org’s peer-review process, editorial board, and pricing structure directly contradicts this principle.
• Avoiding Deception Gharar and Ghesh: Gharar refers to excessive uncertainty or ambiguity in a contract, which is discouraged in Islamic financial dealings. While publishing isn’t a direct financial transaction in the same way, the spirit applies: authors should not enter into agreements with unclear terms, especially regarding costs, services, and the eventual dissemination of their work. Ghesh refers to deception or fraud. If a publisher makes unsubstantiated claims or misrepresents its capabilities, it engages in deceptive practices.

Predatory Publishing and its Harms

The phenomenon of “predatory publishing” directly violates these ethical principles.

Predatory publishers prioritize profit over academic rigor, often by charging authors high fees without providing legitimate editorial, peer-review, or dissemination services.

• Exploitation of Authors: They prey on authors, particularly early-career researchers or those under pressure to publish, by promising fast publication without robust quality checks. This can lead to authors spending money and time on publications that ultimately lack academic credibility.
• Dilution of Knowledge: By publishing unreviewed or poorly reviewed research, predatory journals pollute the scholarly record, making it harder to distinguish credible science from unreliable information. This undermines the very purpose of academic endeavor: to advance knowledge responsibly.
• Damage to Reputation: Authors who inadvertently publish in predatory outlets risk damaging their academic reputation and making it harder to publish in reputable journals in the future. Institutions and funding bodies are increasingly aware of predatory practices and may not recognize publications from such sources.

Promoting Beneficial Knowledge Naf'i

From an Islamic perspective, the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge should ideally lead to benefit naf'i for humanity.

Publishing platforms should facilitate the sharing of high-quality, verified information that contributes positively to society.

• Quality Control: Rigorous peer review and editorial processes are essential ethical safeguards to ensure that published work is sound, original, and contributes meaningfully.
• Accessibility: While not universally mandated, promoting open access where financially viable and ethically managed aligns with the principle of sharing beneficial knowledge widely.
• Fair Practice: Ensuring fair dealings between authors and publishers, transparent contracts, and clear communication are all part of upholding ethical standards in the pursuit of naf'i.

Given the numerous red flags concerning transparency and detailed process information on mbspress.org, it is imperative for authors to approach such platforms with extreme caution.

Prioritizing publishers with verifiable ethical practices, transparent processes, and a strong commitment to academic integrity is not just good scholarly practice but also aligns with Islamic values of honesty, trust, and the responsible pursuit of knowledge.

How to Conduct Due Diligence Before Submitting to a Publisher

Before entrusting your valuable research and intellectual property to any publisher, especially one like mbspress.org with limited transparency, it’s absolutely crucial to conduct thorough due diligence. Think of it like vetting a business partner. Sidemail.io Review

You wouldn’t sign a major contract without checking their bona fides.

Step 1: Check the Publisher’s Website Thoroughly

Go beyond the homepage. Look for specific pages:

• About Us/Company Information: Does it provide a clear mission, history, and verifiable physical address? Is there information about their leadership team or key personnel?
• Editorial Board: Is a list of editorial board members, with their affiliations, prominently displayed? Can you verify these individuals’ academic profiles through their university websites or LinkedIn? Be suspicious if the list is absent, vague, or contains individuals with no apparent connection to the publisher.
• Author Guidelines/Instructions for Authors: This is where you’ll find detailed requirements for manuscript preparation, submission process, peer-review policy, and ethical guidelines. A legitimate publisher will have extensive and clear guidelines.
• Publication Ethics/Integrity: Look for statements on plagiarism, conflicts of interest, data fabrication, and retraction policies. Check if they mention adherence to recognized ethical bodies like COPE Committee on Publication Ethics.
• Indexing and Abstracting: Where are their publications indexed? Are these reputable databases e.g., Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar? Avoid publishers that only list obscure or made-up indexing services.
• Archiving Policy: How do they ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of content? Look for mentions of services like Portico, CLOCKSS, or specific library partnerships.
• Contact Information: Is there more than just a generic email? A phone number and a physical address are usually present.

Step 2: Investigate Published Content

If they claim to have published books or journals, try to find them independently.

• Search for Titles: Look for the titles they claim to have published on major academic databases like those mentioned above, library catalogs e.g., WorldCat, or reputable booksellers e.g., Amazon, Barnes & Noble – especially for print versions.
• Check Author Affiliations: If you find published works, try to verify the authors’ affiliations. Do they seem legitimate, or are they from unknown institutions?
• Quality of Content: If you can access samples, assess the quality of the writing, research, and formatting. Does it look professionally produced and peer-reviewed, or does it resemble poorly edited work?

Step 3: Consult External Resources

Don’t rely solely on the publisher’s self-description.

• Think. Check. Submit. Initiative: This is an excellent resource for authors to evaluate potential journals and publishers. It provides a checklist of key questions to ask. Think. Check. Submit.
• DOAJ Directory of Open Access Journals & DOAB Directory of Open Access Books: If considering open access, check if the publisher’s journals or books are listed here. They vet publishers for quality and transparency.
• COPE Committee on Publication Ethics: Membership in COPE signals a commitment to ethical publishing practices. Check their member list. COPE
• Scholarly Community Discussions: Search online forums, academic social media groups, and academic blogs for discussions or warnings about the publisher.
• Librarian Resources: University librarians are often experts in scholarly communication and can provide valuable insights into publishers’ reputations. Many universities have guides on identifying predatory publishers.

Step 4: Be Wary of Red Flags

Beyond the general lack of information, specific indicators should raise immediate suspicion:

• Rapid Publication Promises: “Guaranteed fast publication” without clear details on accelerated peer review processes.
• Aggressive Email Solicitations: Unsolicited emails, especially with broad, generic invitations to publish, often suggest predatory behavior.
• Typos and Grammatical Errors: A poorly edited website or correspondence is a sign of unprofessionalism.
• Vague or Missing APC/BPC Information: Lack of clear pricing for publishing services.
• Dubious Metrics: Claims of high impact factors or quick indexing without verifiable proof.
• Fake Peer Review: Promises of peer review without providing details on the process or a qualified editorial board.

By systematically applying these due diligence steps, authors can significantly mitigate the risk of engaging with less-than-reputable publishers and ensure their scholarly work is handled with the integrity it deserves.

FAQ

How can I verify the legitimacy of mbspress.org?

You can verify the legitimacy of mbspress.org by checking for transparent information on their website, such as a prominent editorial board, detailed peer-review processes, clear author guidelines, and specific indexing in major academic databases.

Currently, mbspress.org lacks many of these crucial transparency indicators.

What are the main concerns about mbspress.org?

The main concerns about mbspress.org include a lack of transparency regarding their editorial board, a vague description of their peer-review process, the absence of clear pricing information, repetitive and generic content on their homepage, and unsubstantiated claims about published books and scholar numbers. Solostream.com Review

Does mbspress.org provide clear pricing for its services?

No, based on the homepage text, mbspress.org does not provide any clear or transparent pricing information for its publishing services, including potential Article Processing Charges APCs for open access publications.

This lack of transparency is a significant concern.

Is mbspress.org a predatory publisher?

While it’s not possible to definitively label mbspress.org as “predatory” without deeper investigation beyond the homepage, it exhibits several red flags commonly associated with less reputable or predatory publishers, primarily due to its significant lack of transparency and detailed operational information.

What kind of books does mbspress.org claim to publish?

Mbspress.org claims to publish a diverse range of handbooks, textbooks, atlases, monographs, e-books, and reference books across multidisciplinary domains, including science, technology, medicine, arts, literature, history, geography, psychology, social science, agriculture, business, biotechnology, genetic engineering, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

Does mbspress.org offer open access publishing?

Yes, mbspress.org states that “Special requests of open access publication can also be considered in case of a complete book.” However, the terms, conditions, and any associated costs for open access are not detailed on their homepage.

What is the claimed experience level of MB International Scholar Press?

Mbspress.org claims to have “3 + YEARS OF EXPERIENCE” as MB International Scholar Press, alongside claims of “950 + PUBLISHED BOOKS,” “40 k+ RENOWNED SCHOLARS,” and “140 + COUNTRY REACH.” These claims are self-reported and not independently verifiable on the website.

How does mbspress.org handle peer review?

Mbspress.org states it offers “Peer-review,” but provides no specific details on the type of peer review e.g., single-blind, double-blind, the number of reviewers, the process, or the qualifications of their peer reviewers.

This lack of detail is a significant concern for academic integrity.

Are there any specific author guidelines available on mbspress.org’s homepage?

No, the mbspress.org homepage does not prominently display or link to specific, detailed author guidelines regarding manuscript formatting, submission policies, or ethical considerations, beyond a general “Submit Your Manuscript” button.

What promotional services does mbspress.org claim to offer?

Mbspress.org claims to offer social media promotion, online press releases, advertisement in news portals and blogs, circulation in digital bookstores, search engine promotion SEO, and promotional video sharing on YouTube. Romanoford.com Review

The specifics of these services and their reach are not detailed.

Does mbspress.org provide a physical address?

No, the mbspress.org homepage only provides a phone number 7439016438 and an email address [email protected], but no verifiable physical business address or company registration details are listed.

What are some reputable alternatives to mbspress.org for academic publishing?

Reputable alternatives include major commercial academic publishers like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Wiley, as well as university presses such as Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press. For open access, Frontiers and MDPI are notable options.

Is it advisable to submit a manuscript to mbspress.org?

Based on the significant lack of transparency and detailed information on their homepage, it is strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and conduct thorough due diligence before submitting a manuscript to mbspress.org.

Many red flags suggest it may not be a reputable academic publisher.

What ethical concerns should authors consider when choosing a publisher?

Authors should consider a publisher’s commitment to integrity in research and publication avoiding plagiarism, data falsification, transparency and honesty in all dealings, avoidance of deceptive practices like those found in predatory publishing, and the promotion of beneficial knowledge through rigorous quality control.

How do traditional academic publishers differ from mbspress.org?

Traditional academic publishers typically differ from mbspress.org by offering greater transparency clear editorial boards, physical addresses, more rigorous and detailed peer-review processes, comprehensive author guidelines, specific indexing in major academic databases, and clear pricing models.

Does mbspress.org offer ISBN and DOI allotment?

Yes, mbspress.org states that it provides “Digital Object Identifier DOI allotment” and “E-ISBN and Print ISBN number allotment” as part of its publishing services.

These are standard identifiers for scholarly publications.

What should I look for in a publisher’s “About Us” section?

A legitimate publisher’s “About Us” section should provide a comprehensive overview of the company’s mission, history, structure, and key personnel. Yonderwheels.com Review

It should go beyond generic statements and offer verifiable details about their operations and values.

Mbspress.org’s “About Our Book Publishing Company” section is notably brief and generic.

How important is indexing in major databases for published work?

Indexing in major academic databases like Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed is extremely important for published academic work because it significantly enhances discoverability, increases citation potential, and signals the quality and credibility of the publication within the scholarly community.

What are the risks of publishing with a less transparent publisher?

The risks of publishing with a less transparent publisher include potential financial exploitation hidden fees, damage to your academic reputation if the work is not properly peer-reviewed or widely recognized, limited discoverability of your research, and a lack of proper archiving for long-term access.

Does mbspress.org mention any affiliations with professional publishing organizations?

No, the mbspress.org homepage does not mention any affiliations with recognized professional publishing organizations or ethical bodies like the Committee on Publication Ethics COPE, which are common indicators of a publisher’s commitment to industry standards and best practices.