  We claim, and present evidence, that allowing arXiv publication before a
conference or journal submission benefits researchers, especially early career,
as well as the whole scientific community. Specifically, arXiving helps
professional identity building, protects against independent re-discovery, idea
theft and gate-keeping; it facilitates open research result distribution and
reduces inequality. The advantages dwarf the drawbacks -- mainly the relative
increase in acceptance rate of papers of well-known authors -- which studies
show to be marginal. Analyzing the pros and cons of arXiving papers, we
conclude that requiring preprints be anonymous is nearly as detrimental as not
allowing them. We see no reasons why anyone but the authors should decide
whether to arXiv or not.
