“Please Submit Your Paper…”: Move Analysis of Predatory ‘Spamvitation’ Emails sent to a Malaysian Academic
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/lspi.v13.24775Keywords:
Move analysis, Spam, Predatory publishers, Pressure to publishAbstract
This study examines the rhetorical moves of predatory and spam emails sent to a Malaysian academic soliciting academic articles. The data of this study comprised of 50 emails that were analyzed through move analysis. Findings indicated that the emails had five obligatory moves, which were stating the purpose, defining the scope, establishing credentials, building rapport, offering incentives, and expressing urgency. These moves were found to leverage and exploit on the pressures faced by Malaysian academics, especially in terms of having to produce high output. Aside from the obligatory moves, the analysis also identified language features such as those that intend to flatter the vanity of the recipient and to seemingly establish personal rapport. Based on the findings, it is recommended that clear guidance and instruction be provided to Malaysian academics when engaged in writing and publishing their research work. It may also be necessary for institutions to rethink institutional goals, so as to not pressure academics to engage in activities that may threaten the integrity of scholarly work and research ethics.
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