I only hope that computer-aided proof checking saves mathematics before it collapses under the weight of decades of irresponsible publishing. Of all disciplines, peer review in mathematics should serve to guarantee nearly absolute confidence in the validity of published results. Many subjects have grown so complex that one can't reasonably expect new people coming to the field to take responsibility for the correctness of all the literature that they might need to quote.

I remember attending a seminar at a famous institute where a young speaker justified a step by citing a paper by a well-known and well-published worker in the field. A very, very famous mathematician in the audience, the recognized leader of the discipline, stopped him and said "I wouldn't believe anything in [so and so]'s papers." A hush went around the room. Later I asked a colleague of the impugned mathematician (a member of the same department and an expert in the same field) about the incident. "Yeah, everyone knows his papers are garbage" he said. I asked why they get published. "No one wants a fight. We publish them and then ignore them."

I don't want this sort of practice to define mathematics in the public mind. I think we should compensate referees for their hard work, and honor solid refereeing nearly as much as we do excellent research. Either that, or fund computer-aided proof checking to the hilt, change the methodology of the subject and get human beings out of the business of vouchsafing the literature.