1 min readfrom Machine Learning

Desk-rejected position paper Neurips 2026 [D]

Our take

Submitting to prestigious conferences like NeurIPS can be a daunting experience, especially when faced with a desk rejection. Recently, a user shared their disappointment after receiving a rejection email citing formatting violations. They speculated whether their paper's title lacked the strength typically expected of a position paper. This situation raises common concerns among first-time submitters, particularly those who have faced prior rejections due to different criteria, such as the need for empirical evaluation.

The recent feedback about desk rejection often stems from subtle but significant nuances in how we frame our contributions. Many submitters find themselves facing rejection messages that highlight formatting or wording issues, even when the core idea is solid. This experience underscores the importance of aligning not just content but also tone and structure with the expectations of the audience. It’s a reminder that technology meets human expectations, and bridging that gap is crucial for impact.

What stands out is how technical depth is paired with clarity—a balance that can elevate even the most complex ideas. In this case, the article’s tone emphasizes both the rigor of the research and its accessibility, which is vital for engaging readers who may not be experts but are seeking actionable insights. Readers appreciate when they can grasp the value without getting lost in jargon, making this approach particularly effective.

It’s also worth noting that repeated rejections can be discouraging, but they offer valuable learning opportunities. Each feedback loop sharpens our understanding of what resonates and what falls short. By staying focused on user outcomes and simplifying complexity, we position ourselves as thoughtful contributors rather than just technical submitters.

Looking ahead, the key will be maintaining this equilibrium between authority and approachability. The goal isn’t just to be read, but to inspire action—whether that’s exploring a new solution or simply refining our message. This process is ultimately about building trust, and trust is earned through consistent, thoughtful communication.

Anyone get desk rejected email today? I got and it said
Desk Reject Comments: This submission violates the formatting rules and has been desk rejected.

I thought it was because my paper title was not strong enough to be a position paper.

Have you encountered this? Sorry, first time submitting to this top conference. Actually I submitted to ICML previously (position paper as well) and got rejected due to lack of empirical evaluation.

submitted by /u/aozorahime
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