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Examines the claims that cyberspace allows individuals to create sustainable new identities. It examines these claims in relation to the ongoing argument about embodiment and information systems. Accepts that computer mediated communication changes the nature of the interaction by removing bodily cues from the process, but argues that creating new identities is not simply a case of using new words. Argues that the choice of words is the result of socialized learning into a particular role, a process that cannot be taught explicitly. Analyses an existing case study and highlights the limitations of playing with an identity into which one has not been socialized. Ends with a discussion of the implications of the ideas presented.

Presents a critical review of the role of laboratory experiments in information systems research. In an attempt to highlight the issues raised by laboratory experiments, presents a thought experiment of such an experiment. The thought experiment indicates the problem of distinguishing between that which is done to complete the task and that which is done to complete the requirements of the experiment. Further develops an understanding of this problem by presenting the work of Heidegger, Merleau‐Ponty and others. From this discussion, shows that people develop styles for coping in the world that do not allow them to “break up” the world into discrete objects, events, persons, and so forth. Based on this discussion, argues that it is impossible for the observer as well as the observed to know whether their style of coping in the experiment is a style of coping with the world or a style of coping with the requirements and constraints of the experiment. From this discussion, concludes that most laboratory experiments in information systems research have neither internal nor external validity. As such, they should be actively discouraged.

Provides a critique of method‐ism ‐ the view that methodology is necessary and sufficient for information systems’ development success; method‐ism presupposes also that systems developers understand the value of methodology and will prefer to work with it rather than without it. Argues, against method‐ism, that method flows from understanding, and not the reverse. Hence method cannot be a substitute for understanding. Discusses the way in which humans tend to interact with the world by means of ready‐to‐hand tools, using the ideas of Heidegger and Ihde. Shows that tools are used only if available (ready‐to‐hand) in the world of doing. If a methodology is not ready‐to‐hand, it will break down and be ignored in the pragmatics of getting the job done. Presents a number of arguments why methodologies by design will tend to break down (not be ready‐to‐hand) and hence be discarded.

The purpose of this paper is to respond to Curno ' s article from the perspective of a journal editor.

The paper is analysed and a commentary formulated.

A tacit knowledge perspective is developed.

The perspective is of one editor of a journal published by Emerald.

Given that the perspective is of a current editor, it provides a distinctive practical insight into some of the issues surrounding academic authorship.