[AISdiscuss] Re: AIS Bulletin Scientific Editor

[PlankMail@aol.com]

New Years Greetings to all:
     Just recently, Don Spoon, Scientific Editor for the AIS Bulletin
submitted his resignation in advance of a very busy schedule and research
projects he
is planning.  When considering appointing a replacement for Don, the question
arose concerning "who" had that responsibility, Bruce and I exchanged emails
about it, then, Bruce sought input from Terry. Terry's response gave flesh
and  significance to something I had previously alluded to in exchanges not
only
our Scientific Chairs, but also two days ago with Bruce.  Terry's recent email
appears below, followed by my response to what Terry had written.
     The idea generated is one I would like to have examined by not only AIS
Board members, but also by other AIS leaders throughout our organization who
might be able to contribute insights that will help produce an ever better
functioning AIS


In a message dated 1/7/05 2:54:21 PM, Terry@flowerfantasy.net writes:

>
> During my term as editor, I simply appointed a scientific editor (
> Lawyers in my case) The position was never blessed by a vote of the
> board, but, then, maybe it should have been?  The editor is not expected
> to be knowledgeable in all areas and the scientific editor was simply a
> consultant to the editor. It might even be better if there were a
> scientific committee since many consultants are specialists. I dont know
> that the position even needs to be in the bulletin as there is precious
> little consulting actually needed. I think I called on Lawyers once in 5
> years.
> If we have a scientific committee listed as a chair position, maybe the
> editor consultant thing could just be included in their duties?
> I dont think I am helping!!
>
>
My response:
Terry and all:
     Terry's suggestion is my thinking, also.  I have even expressed it to a
few people -- and to Bruce in just the last couple of days.
     Before moving to what I really prefer, in my opinion if there is a
"Scientific Editor," it should be someone approached by the Bulletin Editor
who has
the best grasp on what might be needed from anyone taking the position.
     Moving to what I prefer:
     What I would like to see is a "Scientific Consultation Committee" to
replace ALL AIS Scientific committees or positions.  I would like to see this
committee composed of at least five knowledgeable people who could/would
review
scientific material for Bulletin publication, select candidates for
grants/scholarships,and recommend scientific projects for the AIS to
encourage. 
     Since I would imagine all these folks to be busy in the academic and/or
science world, I'm sure their deliberations and work would and could be done
readily by email. 
     Right now I believe our three scholarly/scientificly oriented operations
are -- as currently functioning -- not as productive as they might be if they
were "centralized" into a Scientific Committee.  The "chairman" of such a
committee could be a Board director who is not a working part of the committee
but a "liaison" -- if you will -- to shepherd the committee reports to the
Board
at the appropriate time for action, and function with the Board in much the
same way as the Board's Section and RVP counselors function (or something like
that).  Such a Board liaison would be an informed "courier" of committee
report material TO AND FROM the Board, thereby relieving committee members
from the
obligation of being present (unless they wanted to be present).
     I think this idea has real merit for discussion and further examination.
     Cheers!
          Jeanne

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