most recent 30 from http://mathoverflow.net 2013-05-20T05:07:47Z http://mathoverflow.net/feeds/question/86126 http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/rdf http://mathoverflow.net/questions/86126/should-i-write-to-the-referee John 2012-01-19T18:37:38Z 2012-01-19T19:05:01Z

<p>I have submitted a paper to a good journal about 3 months ago. Now I have realized that there is a mistake in the paper. Now I have completely corrected it. It is not a very serious error, but I think it could create some problems in reading the paper. In particular there is a definition that should be changed, but not in a trivial way. The main results of the paper remain essentially unchanged.</p> <p>So my question is: should I write to the editors of the journal in order to inform the referee about this problem or should I wait some comments by the referee?</p> <p>Thank's!</p>

http://mathoverflow.net/questions/86126/should-i-write-to-the-referee/86128#86128 Jon 2012-01-19T18:46:28Z 2012-01-19T18:46:28Z

<p>The problem here is that, with an error that does prove the main results false, a good paper may be forced to restart the review procedure. This will entail some severe delays. So, my suggestion is to wait and then, after the report of the referee, a resubmission of a properly revised version of the paper.</p>

http://mathoverflow.net/questions/86126/should-i-write-to-the-referee/86130#86130 Pace Nielsen 2012-01-19T19:05:01Z 2012-01-19T19:05:01Z

<p>If the correction will help the referee understand your paper better, you should definitely write it up and send it to the editors, who will pass it on to the referee. Having served as a referee I can honestly say that I would always appreciate receiving clarifications, and would not hold that against anyone. You might also send a very short note, explaining the changes.</p>