A Reviewer's Apology

I humbly ask editors and PC members seeking reviews to read the
following thoughts ranging from the obvious to the more personal.

I am usually happy to perform refereeing services, provided the
paper in question is related to my research agenda and that it is
ready to be refereed. Please keep both these principles in mind as
far as humanly possible.

I kindly ask for your understanding if I decline your request. I
will usually not decline a request that is highly topical (e.g.,
if the paper references my own work) and may even accept papers
that are clearly outside of my expertise but it is a sliding
scale, which, in part, is affected by my recent/current refereeing
workload as well as any other commitments I have at the time. The
decision process may not be 100% fair in individual cases and for
that I beg your pardon.

Should I decide to accept your request, please show me the
courtesy of not sending me reminders ahead of the agreed-upon
deadline. Such reminders are unlikely to be constructive.

Sincerely,
Rene Vestergaard