In our journal, we have noticed that some reviewers, especially those new to the system, inadvertently enter comments meant for the editors or themselves in this section “For Author and editor” . Since these comments can be viewed by the authors, this occasionally leads to unintended issues.
To address this, I would like to:
Disable the “For Author and Editor” comment box for reviewers entirely.
Alternatively, make it read-only for reviewers so they can view but not edit the section.
I am looking for a solution that works within the existing framework of OJS or through minimal customizations
Are you sure authors are able to see those comments without meditation? The reviewer comments are always sent to the authors via an email from the editor, where they have a chance to review them for appropriateness for just this reason.
Thanks,
Alec Smecher
Public Knowledge Project Team
My applologies for the confusion. There was a mix-up while I was testing multiple scenarios, which led to an incorrect error being conveyed to you.
The actual scenario is the comments are getting populated automatically in the email to author when an “Request Revisions” is initiated after the review. The email sent to the Author has
" The following comments were received from reviewers. Reviewer 1: "
The Reviwere 1 comments are being fetched from " For author and editor" section.
Once again appologies for conveying the wrong message.
When you request revisions from the Author as Editor, you’ll be taken to an email composition window where the review comments are included in the draft; it’s up to the Editor to correct/remove any inappropriate reviewer comments before the message is sent to the Author. No messages from the Reviewer are sent to the Author without the Editor having a chance to look them over first.
Regards,
Alec Smecher
Public Knowledge Project Team