How do we count our chickens? Or do citation counts count?

Purpose – This issue aims to look into the subject of citation counts and whether they have an impact on the articles being cited. Design/methodology/approach – Uses Selgens list of citations that have been counted within such areas as: review articles, long articles, short publications and research fields as an example. Findings – Finds that citation counts and impact factors can be easily manipulated. Originality/value – Gives a strong view to a controversial subject.