Thank you all for the valuable input! Based on your feedback we have revised the policy as follows:
We will not ban paywalled links, but here are some instructions on how to best deal with them:
- avoid paywalled link and post gift links wherever possible
- if no gift links are available, then provide a summary, synopsis, abstract, or other information that at least allows readers to understand the point and/or research further if they see fit
Rule #2 is even more enforceable if the article is the subject of a new thread. There is literally no point in starting a discussion about an article that is paywalled. So, unless there is a comprehensive summary/abstract/synopsis, the thread will be closed.