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There is not a universal consensus on the definition and terminology for problematic publishers and journals. They are commonly referred to as "predatory publishing" and share some key characteristics:
A list of reputable vs problematic journals would definitely simplify matters. Such lists do exist but they are not comprehensive, may not be regularly updated, and can vary in their assessment criteria. Some resources, like Cabell's Scholarly Analytics, require a subscription for access. Nevertheless, the lists provided below can serve as a useful starting point for your independent evaluation of a journal's credibility.
Signs of problematic publishers and journals include:
It is worth noting that the rising use of AI tools such as Chat GPT could improve the quality of these emails, but receiving unsolicited requests to publish, especially in an aggressive manner, is a considerable red flag.