petersuber, I've seen 3 common explanations for why authors publish in #predatory journals: (1) they're deceived; (2) they're padding their resumes; (3) their work is weak.
This letter proposes a 4th, money.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02911-z
(#paywalled)"Many scientists from #LMICs…are rewarded with bonuses & promotions by their institutions [when they publish]…Many are likely to consider it worth paying an author publication charge [#APC] of $50 to secure a $300 research bonus for a guaranteed publication."