As an academic librarian who has formally studied how knowledge in several, if not nearly all academic disciplines, is created and disseminated while in graduate school, I would like to state that Percy is essentially correct in his analysis of the process in this matter, including that concerning published conference proceedings.
It is only the deceitful, who either intentionally or not, seek to avoid the peer-review process, either through publishing in pop sci magazines, announcements to the press, or other instruments of propaganda, as opposed to having the courage and integrity to seek the truth.
If a person is honest with oneself and honest with others, there is no need, or even desire, to circumvent the system.