The AAP/PSP has launched PRISM (Partnership for Research Integrity in Science & Medicine – read the press release) which seems to be nothing more than a lobby organization against Open Access. Among the more strange arguments (actually commonly used by opponents to OA) is that OA will ruin the peer-review system. The press release states:
Critics argue that peer reviewed articles resulting from government funded research should be available at no cost. However, the expenses of peer review, promotion, distribution and archiving of articles are paid for by private sector publishers, and not with tax dollars.
The idea of peer-review is that the articles should be reviewed by other researchers in the same field since they are the most competent and familiar. Like most other academics the task of peer-review is a challenge, an opportunity, a drain on precious time and a learning opportunity. Therefore, it is a task done, for the most part, with great seriousness (but maybe not enthusiasm) – and most importantly it is done for FREE. In other words the academic carries out this work while being paid from someone other than the publisher. Open Access will not harm the peer-review system since the system does not rely on the publishers.
For a much better and deeper rebuttal of the arguments in the press release read Peter Suber’s response to their arguments.
Update/Additional info:
According to Boing Boing at its launch the Prism website included copyrighted images used without the owners permission.