Paper desk rejected thanks to my supervisor messing with my submission after providing very little feedback. Why do I even bother?
Earlier this year my supervisor suggested a draft a paper for a top CS conference. For context, we have a large group and my supervisor isn’t very involved in my work. I was really hoping that working on this draft might improve our relationship but unfortunately she didn’t offer much feedback or advice. Whilst this was disheartening, I decided I’d still do my best and submit what I’d written. I figured it was likely to be rejected, but I was excited for the review process and to get some feedback for once!
I submitted my paper with my supervisor listed as an author as well. I later noticed she’d added another author to my paper after I submitted who I’ve never met in my life. I wasn’t stoked about this but I trusted my supervisor’s decision. Anyway, fast forward a couple of weeks and I receive an email saying my papers been desk rejected since the mystery author didn’t have an active open review profile. I’m honestly so incredibly frustrated right now. I shared the news with my supervisor and the response was just “oh no, someone’s profile must not have been active.” No shit. An apology would’ve been nice, or at least an acknowledgment, or maybe a discussion about what we can do next but no. I just feel like all my work just went down the drain and I want to just throw in the towel. I think I’m just posting this to rant since I’m so frustrated but if anyone has any advice on how to deal with this sort of thing I’d love to hear it!