Knowledge Archive

Abstract

Open Knowledge Archive: Proposal for Merit-Based Interdisciplinary Preprint Server Description This proposal outlines a novel approach to open scientific publishing that addresses three critical failures in the current academic system: institutional gatekeeping, disciplinary fragmentation, and binary validation models. Key Innovation: A concentric ring architecture where papers enter freely at the outer rim (zero gatekeeping) and move inward based on accumulated validation. The center represents maximum interdisciplinary verification—where fields converge rather than separate. The Problem: Traditional journals reject AI-assisted research based on writing style, not content quality Independent researchers face systematic barriers (institutional email requirements, credential-based filtering) Interdisciplinary work falls between disciplinary silos Binary accept/reject model provides no pathway for progressive validation The Solution: Ring-based validation (outer rim = unverified, inner rings = progressively validated) Domain slices (papers positioned by subject area, can span multiple fields) Merit determines position, not credentials or authorship method Completely open access (readers never pay) Implementation: Phase 1: $8,000 proof of concept using AI-assisted development (Claude Code)Sustainable through hybrid revenue model (minimal per-paper fees, institutional partnerships, donations) All code released under AGPL-3.0 (prevents proprietary forks) Structured as irrevocable non-profit (cannot be commercialized) This proposal is released under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 to prevent commercial exploitation while enabling open collaboration. It represents infrastructure for the commons—research validation that serves knowledge, not profit. Includes: 1. Full architectural specification (ring/slice topology, validation pipeline) 2. Technical implementation plan (backend, frontend, moderation system) 3. Governance model (non-profit structure, anti-gaming provisions) 4. Financial sustainability model (revenue sources, cost projections) 5. Phase 1 budget ($8,000 for AI-assisted development) Status: Proposal stage. Seeking collaborators, volunteers, and initial funding.