The respectful refusal

Short journal · Original editorial · Useful disagreement

A collaborator cannot take on another piece of work.

Agreement is easier to assess when the actual choice is visible. A disagreement can concern evidence, preference, timing, or limits. Name the point of difference before trying to settle it, and leave people room to revise their view.

Agree a clear refusal or a smaller commitment they can actually keep.

A useful next step can be modest. Name what would count as enough for this version, then allow the rest to wait.