The first scientific journals date back to the 17th century, when the French Journal des sçavansand the English Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society first began systematicallypublishing research results [1]. After more than three centuries, I would like us to reflect onthe fundamental function for writing scientific papers and publishing. Scientists publish papersin specialized international journals essentially for two reasons: i) to test their results andideas within the community, and ii) to allow the community to (re)use these results in orderto progress in their own research:i. The review process by the peers is an important step in the testing process for authors,even if it is not always seen as such. It provides essential validation and feedback tothe authors at a stage prior to publication of their work.ii. The editorial process is also key to ensure that the publication correctly and completelyconveys the information to the community.The continuous exchange of knowledge and feedback within the communities is fundamentalfor research advancements. Overall, research is a mix of a community and an individualadventure. A good equilibrium between these two dimensions is required to make newdiscoveries.Some of us may feel that these two objectives are no longer the main motivation forpublications. The search to gain visibility in order to attract more funding, enhance one’scareer and to become more influential are more and more present, risking to shiftingsignificantly the equilibrium toward the individual dimension of research.At the European Journal of Mineralogy (EJM), we remain loyal to the two main basic reasonsof scientific publication. As editors, our decisions are taken without judging how influential apaper could become. If a manuscript is scientifically original and of high quality, we try toprovide the most complete possible review to the authors. We encourage a publicationculture that ensures that the data and ideas are understandably transferred to the scientificcommunity. The team at our journal works hard in defending the fundamental function ofscientific publications. Editors, publishers and authors should never forget the final objectiveof scientific publications and our role within the community.