&gt; what do publishers actually do that couldn&#x27;t be done on a more open system?<p>Nothing positive, as far as I can tell. I firmly believe that they hold back the progress of the human race by limiting access to the bleeding edge of human knowledge - all for the sake of money. I&#x27;m glad people are attempting to force an overhaul of the system.<p>An excellent article on the matter: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;priceonomics.com&#x2F;post&#x2F;50096804256&#x2F;why-is-science-behind-a-paywall" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;priceonomics.com&#x2F;post&#x2F;50096804256&#x2F;why-is-science-behi...</a>