Abstract
During the 13 years I edited the Journal, colleagues were often curious as to how I managed to handle the job, month after month, year after year. In truth, it was demanding and on occasion I wondered to myself why I was doing it! As I reminisce, I know why I ‘lingered on’. If one likes the world of scientific publishing (as I do), there can be nothing more rewarding and enjoyable than editing one's very own journal. On the other hand, the ‘blue and silver’ was not my journal at all. I was granted the privilege to ‘care’ for it on behalf of the College, and more specifically on behalf of our authors and readers. I hope that my nurturance proved effective.
Editing a journal is a complex operation, requiring many hands. I feel blessed in having worked with a fine group of people. It is invidious to name some and not others. Instead, may I express my heart-felt thanks to: the Melbourne-based Editorial Board who proved remarkably helpful month after month after month; the Australasian Advisory Board whose members gave me good counsel when I requested guidance on tricky issues; the International Advisory Board who waved our flag in their part of the world; the 450 reviewers without whose expertise the Journal would have ground to a halt; the authors who chose the Journal as an outlet for their work and, last but not least, the staff at Blackwell Publishing Asia who provided sound support, in a most congenial way.
Scientific journals are designed to inform, educate, provoke and entertain. I hope you, dear reader, have found the Journal of value in one or more of these ways over the last 13 years.
It only remains for me to wish my successor, Peter Joyce, and his team, a rewarding experience over the next decade. May you enjoy the job as much as I did.