The Editor Comments
Our editorial activities are coming to a close after the first year. Notes from readers, subscribers, and materials scientists have indicated that the quality of the papers has been high. Authors, in general, agree that their articles have been handled well by consultants and referees. Because the Society and its Journal represent many disciplines, the nature of our papers varies greatly. Choosing consultants often is difficult, and their broadly disparate views impede the review process. Of course, in the final analysis, this improves the quality of the publication. We ask authors to extend their patience and understanding regarding the exquisitely painful process to which their submissions are subjected.
With the first issue of 1980 (Volume 14, No. 1) we will be adopting a new cover design and an enlarged page format. This will permit us to publish approximately 20% more material per year. Under these circumstances, and consonant with the present average flow of new papers received, we anticipate publication of acceptable papers which do not require revision within six months of their date of receipt. Authors, therefore, are encouraged to submit papers with a feeling of optimism as to the brevity of time between receipt and publication. Our group of reviewers works conscientiously toward this goal.