I have noticed that among biblical scholars, there are many different approaches to publishing. Here are a few I’ve jotted down that are, of course, not mutually exclusive:
Publish or Perish: Publish on, well, everything, regardless of its originality. You have lecture notes and a publisher, after all!
Publish and Progress: Publish on subjects which need further research, challenge, etc., to advance scholarship. (My favorite).
Publish to Précis: Publish broadly in an “overviewish” fashion to keep the sub-disciplines in dialogue.
Publish from Pressure: Publish only when pressed by colleagues, employers, etc. You focus on teaching, right?
Publish from Principle: Publish because a crucial ideology or theology is at stake. It is of supreme or even eternal importance.
I can think of a scholar or two who encapsulates each one well, but I’ll refrain from labeling.
This is a substantial post having profound significance for the discipline of generative research across several interdisciplinary, cross-cultural approaches to intertextuality. Couldn’t resist getting a few key words together! I think your categories are helpful. I am learning that clear writing requires at-hand, personal knowledge of the data. Analysis and Synthesis over and over.
Miss ya’ Josh. Take care.
Todd, it’s always good to hear from you. Let me know when you’re in Edinburgh!