Mit einem ewigen Problem der Produktion von Wissen und ihrer Vermarktung beschäftigt sich heute die Comic-Figur Dilbert. Er ist gerade mit einer Patentschrift beschäftigt. Sein Chef fordert ihn dazu auf, den Namen des Chefs als ersten Verfasser zu nennen.
Mindestens so interessant wie den Comic Strip fand ich den Kommentar eines indischen Lesers namens Moorkhjee dazu:
In the lab where I worked, a lower rank scientist Mr. O, wrote up a research paper and gave it to his superior, Dr „A“, for onward transmission to a journal. Dr. A added his name as an author, and gave it to the next higher boss, B, who added his name also. … The process went on till it reached the top boss G, who added his name and then decided to do a favour to one of the virtually moribund old-timers in the lab, on the verge of retirement („superannuation“ in Indian officialese), and added his name also. Then Professor G thought there were too many authors in the paper, and removed Mr. O’s name.
Doch, ja, das kann passieren …
