Since their inception, journals have served as a form of peer review and publication. In recent years, however, they have also become an indicator of status that can make or break an academic’s career. This has led to many people withholding their research from the public until it has been published by a journal, which can be harmful, especially if the research pertains to medicine. And some of the bigger journals have built up sterling reputations that they don’t always live up to. Many will publish surprising, eye-catching studies, even if they are deeply flawed. A system that allows a network of peers to read and reflect on various studies would solve many of these problems.

Technology has changed the way that people interact with each other, and that’s as true for scholars as it is for anyone else. While the SP network didn’t stand the test of time, the idea it was founded on is still alive and well. Millions of academics use social media to share their work, get feedback, and stay in touch with their peers. Some even use it to collaborate, making interdisciplinary research easier than ever. As time goes by, many social networks will rise and fall as the needs of the public shift. But whatever comes along next, academia will no doubt find a way to make use of its potential.