Acknowledgments
Bjorn Gustavii · Cambridge University Press eBooks · 2012
You should not forget to thank the people who have really helped you, but whose contributions do not justify authorship. But be specific. When I saw this acknowledgment, I wondered what exactly these persons had done (family names are fictitious): We thank C. Roe, D. Doe, and S. Poe. In the following example it is evident what each person did: We thank Betsy Roe and Gerri Doe for their assistance in preparing the data; William Poe for the medical photography; Marian Loe and David Coe for their critique of the findings of this study; and Fred Noe for reviewing the and 400-μm specimens. But take care not to give others credit for your own work. Otherwise the reader will wonder what your contribution was. The often used “wish to thank” can be shortened to “thank.” Avoid using professional or courtesy titles in the acknowledgment. The example above was written accordingly. It also tells us the given name of those acknowledged. Persons you want to thank should be asked if they are willing to be acknowledged and if they approve the wording you have used to mention them. This is because colleagues who have read and corrected your manuscript may disagree with some of its central points. To acknowledge them could imply their approval of the content of the paper. Always give credit for financial support When you thank sources of financial assistance, be careful how you present their names.