Conclusion

Abstract

By applying forensic profiling to the evidence reported in this book, we are able to characterize “the” successful AER author. At the same time, while admitting the shortcomings in our analysis, we highlight one of its most important implications. That is, if team production is, as Alchian and Demsetz suggest, not the sum of separable outputs from each team member, then a clear name ordering of authors, be it alphabetical or otherwise, may be questionable. Yet what is the alternative? To publish scientific contributions anonymously? Doing so would go against the “cult of personality” or researchers’ interest in striving for identifiable success. We therefore provide what is in our eyes a valuable albeit unconventional alternative solution.