[EN] You Scratch My Science and I'll Scratch You Back

When scientists count citations of their publications, the rules say that they must exclude self-citations (naturally).

However, what do the rules say about also excluding citations of their publications when cited by co-authors?

Hmmm...

As John Le Carré writes, "you scratch my conscience and I'll drive your Jag"...

(Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Roy Bland talking to George Smiley; note the "con-science" coincidence)

_________

Never mind all those numerous cases of explicit or implicit pressure to cite, whether by scientists yielding administrative power or by reviewers or simply by reciprocating peers...