I spend a lot of time reviewing academic papers, and some of them have been reviewed in the "disproportionately useful" series here. I've reached some conclusions about what makes a successful academic paper, and will explain it with a picnic analogy.
A standard published academic paper will have a few new results, enough to keep an existing area of research going, but does not pioneer. It is like a basket taken on a picnic, with some tolerable jam in it and maybe some warm salad.
A good published academic paper will have more new results, and perhaps innovates within an area. It is like a hamper taken on a picnic, with lots of food for everyone, and containing a few favourites.
A great published academic paper will have a high density of new results, and in a pioneering area. It is like a premium hamper, specially prepared for the purpose, and surprising everyone with its contents.
The hamper comparison isn't always perfect for a great paper as some of them present just a few important results. But it's picnic weather in London today, so there you go.
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