In 2010, two senior ecologists wrote a thought-provoking paper about their experience of the scientific publication process. One of their aims was to generate discussion about the publication process, and that it did: it led to a follow-up piece by a group of eight early career researchers from six countries. In their paper, Schäfer and co (including qaecologist Jane Catford) comment on six key trends in publishing and suggest ways in which the process can be improved. Among the recommendations are increased impartiality and independence of the peer-review process through a move to double-blind review and use of quality control measures for reviewers and editors.