GUEST EDITORIAL
The evolution of journal communication Wayne G. Watson, Editor Emeritus La Jolla, Calif
C
an you think of 2 terms more powerful than “evolution” and “communication”? Change (evolution) represents the only real constant you can rely on in this universe, and certainly the transmission of information by various means (communication) is paramount to our continuing existence. Now, to infuse oxygen into the brain, reflect on the following historical progression: drawings or carvings on walls of caves, language, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the printing press, books, the digital world of computers, the Internet, the Web, and the Cloud. Feel the acceleration! Let's relate this surge to our Journal. If we used the term “paperless journal” 75 years ago in reference to today's AJO-DO, it would connote bankruptcy or insolvency. Now, the term transports us to the digital universes of the Internet and World Wide Web. Have you considered how the word “journalism” relates to our evolving Journal? Generally, journalism is the gathering, processing, and dissemination of information to an audience. Specifically, scientific journalism presents reliable, verifiable, and accurate facts (the truth), put in a meaningful context, relatively free from bias and subject to further investigation. Yes, that's what editors, consultants, and authors of your AJO-DO do. However, just as the truth in Newtonian physics evolved toward that of quantum physics with the advent of Einstein's special relativity, the Journal will continue to develop innovative methods to enlighten our specialty and the public. Curiosity and exploration transform translucency into transparency. A transparent approach to evidence reduces bias, thus improving accuracy. Accuracy becomes the foundation upon which manuscripts—their context, critical analysis, interpretation, and discussion—are built. Verification or a consistent method of testing and presenting this information using the IMRaD (Introduction, Materials & Methods, Research, and Discussion) format prevents human biases from undermining the accuracy of research. (IMRaD was developed by Sir Bradford Hill in 1965 for standardization of research text.) Verification separates scientific journalism from other modes of
Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2015;147:153-7 0889-5406/$36.00 Copyright Ó 2015 by the American Association of Orthodontists. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2014.11.012
communication such as advertisement, entertainment, fiction, propaganda, and blogging. We test the reliability of our interpretation for and with optimal treatment results. Practitioners and scientists attempt an independent stance from their research through double-blind studies to reduce bias (evidence-based research). However, a tincture of common sense must always accompany any computer model or choice of statistics (ie, clinical significance vs statistical significance). Credibility demands accuracy (truth), reduction of bias, and clinical success as its sources. The Journal's purpose remains, while its methods evolve. A synopsis of my perceptions of significant contributions of past and present editors-in-chief may enlighten this evolutionary process. Each one presents a unique essence to the advancement of the AJO-DO. Martin Dewey
One hundred years ago, Martin Dewey's selection as editor-in-chief established the launching of the
Martin Dewey 153
Guest editorial
154
International Journal of Orthodontia in 1915 by the C. V. Mosby Publishing Company. Dr Dewey practiced, taught, and published orthodontics with vigor, a critical eye, and a determination found in his association with Edward H. Angle. Few equaled his masterful debating or parliamentary ability. Dewey's prolific pen served the Journal for 17 years. During lean times, with financial aid from Dr C. V. Mosby, Dr Dewey, with DDS and MD degrees, often wrote several articles himself to fill the Journal. Even nomenclature changed with the stroke of his pen. Often, he incorporated a discussion section at the end of an article to stimulate responses from others. Martin also arranged a mutually advantageous union between the Journal and the American Society of Orthodontists. He championed a balance between science and technical ability, biology, and mechanics to discover the truth. “Science,” he remarked, “knows no friendship.”
in orthodontics. He also suggested that all presentations to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) be ready for publication in the Journal simultaneously. Dr Pollock saw the influx of government health services or public health plans and promoted a “no compromise in quality” position for orthodontists. Dr Pollock highlighted the concept that orthodontic problems stem from genetics and the environment and are not resolved only by mechanics, which had given orthodontics the status or unwanted publicity as a craft or a particular appliance camp. He assumed the presidency during the reorganization of the American Society of Orthodontists into the AAO; this required low-key guidance during the heated debates of the transition. B. F. (Tod) Dewel
Each orthodontic editor contributed his unique essence to the advancement of the AJO-DO. Dr Pollock, a close friend of Dr C. V. Mosby, helped establish the American Journal of Orthodontics in 1915. He served as assistant editor for 17 years and then assumed full responsibility from 1932 to 1968. Without missing a single issue, he carried the Journal through the difficult years of the Great Depression and the turmoil of World War II. Dr Pollock instituted the publication of a series of 26 profiles or biographic sketches of outstanding leaders
Dr Dewel pioneered the field of guided tooth eruption and serial extraction, and he demonstrated a high level of clinical excellence in his cases shown in our Journal. He evaluated the concept of serial extractions for 14 years before presenting it on a university program. Tod contributed nearly 200 scientific articles and editorials before, during, and after his service as editor-inchief of the American Journal of Orthodontics between 1968 and 1978. In the AAO, he served as chairman of the Council on Orthodontic Education and, in his humble way, recommended the direction of curricula in our universities. Besides presentations to American universities, he often lectured internationally and thus attracted
H. C. Pollock
B. F. Dewel
Harvey Carlyle Pollock
February 2015 Vol 147 Issue 2
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Guest editorial
155
manuscripts from other nations for the Journal. He truly made our Journal international and increased circulation from 8000 to 13,000. Dr Dewel produced a balanced Journal with clinical and research articles, and he strove to separate subjectivity from objectivity. He also attempted to reduce the promotion of commercial products under the facade of scientific fact with strict advertising standards. Dr Dewel arranged an equal division of profits between the publisher and the AAO. Since then, the Journal has been self-supporting.
expand your knowledge, it becomes obsolete in 10 years.” Dr Watson wrote nearly 100 editorials concerning the design and editing of professional journals, clinical problems, biologic concerns, the need for current research to control bias, and discussions of meetings. He established a cadre of 50 consultants for Journal review. Thomas M. Graber
Dr Watson served as editor from 1978 to 1986 and increased the size of the Journal to 8 by 11 inches to facilitate going from a 1-column to a 2-column format to coordinate illustrations and photos with the text. He also required from authors a 250-word abstract, 5 key words, adherence to the IMRaD format, and an author photograph with each manuscript because of the uptick in computer use and the ease of reading and reference. Abstracts were often the only substantive portion of articles indexed in many electronic data bases and the only portion many orthodontists read. Dr Watson also added to the masthead “A Journal of Dentofacial Orthopedics,” as had been recommended in a September 1976 Journal editorial by Tod Dewel. Dr Watson thought that “it is no longer sufficient to rely on information you gathered during your formal education. The half-life of medical information is about 5 years. Without continuous effort to
Dr Graber's extensive university work with cleft lip and palate and growth control with extraoral traction served our Journal well for attracting new research and manuscripts in those areas. In addition, he wrote over 20 textbooks, many translated into other languages, on complex concepts in his easy-to-read style. Consequently, his knowledge base displayed encyclopedic proportions and presented insight for teaching and a critical eye for the AJO-DO. Because he befriended so many professionals, Tom became a conduit for sharing knowledge between the United States and abroad. To preserve some history of orthodontics, Dr Graber placed biographic sketches in the AJO-DO. His position as editor of reviews and abstracts for the Journal made him an excellent selection as editor-in-chief from 1986 to 2000. With “A Journal of Dentofacial Orthopedics” already on the cover since 1980, Dr Graber added it officially to the title. In addition to increasing the number of color illustrations, he added new sections to the Journal on legal issues, computers, case reports, and continuing education. Dr Graber also presented
Wayne G. Watson
Thomas M. Graber
Wayne G. Watson
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
February 2015 Vol 147 Issue 2
Guest editorial
156
special theme issues of the AJO-DO to deal with root resorption and bonding procedures. Dr Graber led efforts to negotiate a new contract with the publisher that secured for the AAO the ownership of the Journal and the copyright to the material we published. He was vital to the expansion of our Journal.
describe randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews, known as evidence-based research. Dr Turpin returned as interim editor-in-chief until Dr Behrents could take over. David was always there when we needed him most. Vincent G. Kokich
Dr Turpin brought his experience of editorship of the PCSO Bulletin and the Angle Orthodontist to the AJODO. He redesigned the cover to feature clinically interesting content and a patient with a beautiful smile. Dr Turpin expanded the use of color to 100% and discontinued charging authors for it. He implemented an electronic manuscript submission and review protocol for authors and consultants, and submissions increased by 300% because of this and his international presence. David inspired over 500 consultants to help refine our Journal. He added a supplement, the Product Guide, published each April. The expansion of associate editors allowed them to appoint reviewers and then make final recommendations. He initiated an abridged 2-page print supplement format for “online-only” research studies to reduce delays in publication and increase the AJO-DO's clinical material. Dr Turpin presented a plethora of informative and stimulating editorials for our membership during his tenure as editor from 2000 to 2010. They are a great reference source. He will be remembered for his indefatigable determination to present articles that
Dr Kokich's orthodontic teaching career, with masterful lectures, captured and inspired every audience. His unselfish manner benefitted many. He was an excellent choice for editor-in-chief from 2010 until his passing in 2013. Vince often bridged the gap between orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. To determine the quality of evidence presented in research reports, Dr Kokich established a new monthly feature in the AJO-DO entitled “Statistics and research design.” Each month, the article explains an aspect of statistics or research design, with terminology that clinicians can understand. It addresses questions about research design (bias), sample size, significance levels, and tests. Vince encouraged the establishment of evidence-based practices for the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence when making decisions about the care of a patient: ie, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. To answer questions accurately, he established reference to the AJO-DO's Web site. Dr Kokich standardized the case report format, which increased the quality and number of manuscripts submitted to the AJO-DO. Vincent launched several new, innovative features of information dissemination in our Journal:
David L. Turpin
Vincent G. Kokich
David L. Turpin
February 2015 Vol 147 Issue 2
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Guest editorial
157
“Ethics in orthodontics,” “Point-counterpoint,” “Residents' journal review,” and the “Case of the month” online video presentation. He died unexpectedly in 2013, full of plans for the Journal's future. He is missed. Rolf G. Behrents
In June 2014, Dr Behrents brought his vast experience in research and as professor and chairman of several orthodontic departments to our Journal. Rolf proposed the development of an AJO-DO resource center that could speed up the availability of online information for clinicians to make well-informed evidence-based decisions. His goal is to achieve equilibrium between “clinical” and “research-based” articles. He believes a balance should be made between quality of treatment and faster treatment times, as seen in his lively editorials. Orthodontists and the public should be aware of false advertisements. He also indicated that bias and conflicts of interest remain challenges for everyone but will be treated fairly and professionally in the AJO-DO. Dr Behrents looks forward to celebrating the AJO-DO's 100th Anniversary with special features throughout the year, including supplemental issues in April and May, and we look forward to his innovations. Looking ahead
Predictions simulate “market timing.” However, please focus on the future with me. Paperless or e-publication presents the prospect of computer interaction,
Rolf G. Behrents
such as can be executed by a click on or hover over an unfamiliar term. The definition, explanation, or translation to another language appears without reaching for the dictionary or a language reference. Also, superimpositions of cephalometric tracings, and illustrations or progression of tooth movement on models or in the mouth become possible with the movement of a finger. Videos interspersed in articles such as found in “wired” e-magazines provide examples. Touch screens allow instantaneous global communication among orthodontists. Market research suggests that half of all reading in the United States will be done without paper in 2015. The offset printing press and the distribution of a physical product will move toward obsolescence. In e-publishing, the use of tags, style sheets, and meta-data enables reflowable content that adapts to various reading devices or delivery methods. It gives the feel of a game and may enhance a permanent imprint in our mind. As paperless orthodontic offices and classrooms multiply, storage and assignments in the Cloud loom. The Web's characteristic of interactivity brings members closer to research and all communicative activity. Web blogging, where nonresearchers, companies, and the public publish their opinions, may present problems. Concern also rises from possible fragmentation of information through Facebook, Google1, Twitter, and YouTube. There are no renowned orthodontic reviewers or consultants to lend a critical eye to such vastness. However, the peer-review process is maintained by the AJO-DO. Elsevier, our world-class publishing company, is positioning for these challenges. Macworld magazine has published its last hard copy and moved entirely to digital. Perhaps a 300- to 400-word abstract, with an opening statement that strengthens the collaboration between the clinician and the academician, would benefit digital and hard-copy publication of our Journal. Also, the value we once placed on observation alone has been eclipsed by the power of statistics. Data should not be ignored, however; hard figures blended with common sense can offer valuable insights. People increasingly consume more news through e-readers, smart phones, tablets, audio recordings, and other electronic devices. Orthodontists will, too, and I haven't touched on virtual reality or holograms. During this warp-speed transition, abstracts, editorials, discussions or point-counterpoint articles, letters to editor, clinical articles, and specialty-challenging research articles could become a choice for print publication. The editor-inchief is more than a gatekeeper. Creative management produces smooth dissemination of information, digital or hard copy, and the necessary communication with the AAO board. (Watch a video interview with Dr Watson at www.ajodo.org.)
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
February 2015 Vol 147 Issue 2
The evolution of journal communication Wayne G. Watson, Editor Emeritus La Jolla, Calif
C
an you think of 2 terms more powerful than “evolution” and “communication”? Change (evolution) represents the only real constant you can rely on in this universe, and certainly the transmission of information by various means (communication) is paramount to our continuing existence. Now, to infuse oxygen into the brain, reflect on the following historical progression: drawings or carvings on walls of caves, language, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the printing press, books, the digital world of computers, the Internet, the Web, and the Cloud. Feel the acceleration! Let's relate this surge to our Journal. If we used the term “paperless journal” 75 years ago in reference to today's AJO-DO, it would connote bankruptcy or insolvency. Now, the term transports us to the digital universes of the Internet and World Wide Web. Have you considered how the word “journalism” relates to our evolving Journal? Generally, journalism is the gathering, processing, and dissemination of information to an audience. Specifically, scientific journalism presents reliable, verifiable, and accurate facts (the truth), put in a meaningful context, relatively free from bias and subject to further investigation. Yes, that's what editors, consultants, and authors of your AJO-DO do. However, just as the truth in Newtonian physics evolved toward that of quantum physics with the advent of Einstein's special relativity, the Journal will continue to develop innovative methods to enlighten our specialty and the public. Curiosity and exploration transform translucency into transparency. A transparent approach to evidence reduces bias, thus improving accuracy. Accuracy becomes the foundation upon which manuscripts—their context, critical analysis, interpretation, and discussion—are built. Verification or a consistent method of testing and presenting this information using the IMRaD (Introduction, Materials & Methods, Research, and Discussion) format prevents human biases from undermining the accuracy of research. (IMRaD was developed by Sir Bradford Hill in 1965 for standardization of research text.) Verification separates scientific journalism from other modes of
Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2015;147:153-7 0889-5406/$36.00 Copyright Ó 2015 by the American Association of Orthodontists. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2014.11.012
communication such as advertisement, entertainment, fiction, propaganda, and blogging. We test the reliability of our interpretation for and with optimal treatment results. Practitioners and scientists attempt an independent stance from their research through double-blind studies to reduce bias (evidence-based research). However, a tincture of common sense must always accompany any computer model or choice of statistics (ie, clinical significance vs statistical significance). Credibility demands accuracy (truth), reduction of bias, and clinical success as its sources. The Journal's purpose remains, while its methods evolve. A synopsis of my perceptions of significant contributions of past and present editors-in-chief may enlighten this evolutionary process. Each one presents a unique essence to the advancement of the AJO-DO. Martin Dewey
One hundred years ago, Martin Dewey's selection as editor-in-chief established the launching of the
Martin Dewey 153
Guest editorial
154
International Journal of Orthodontia in 1915 by the C. V. Mosby Publishing Company. Dr Dewey practiced, taught, and published orthodontics with vigor, a critical eye, and a determination found in his association with Edward H. Angle. Few equaled his masterful debating or parliamentary ability. Dewey's prolific pen served the Journal for 17 years. During lean times, with financial aid from Dr C. V. Mosby, Dr Dewey, with DDS and MD degrees, often wrote several articles himself to fill the Journal. Even nomenclature changed with the stroke of his pen. Often, he incorporated a discussion section at the end of an article to stimulate responses from others. Martin also arranged a mutually advantageous union between the Journal and the American Society of Orthodontists. He championed a balance between science and technical ability, biology, and mechanics to discover the truth. “Science,” he remarked, “knows no friendship.”
in orthodontics. He also suggested that all presentations to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) be ready for publication in the Journal simultaneously. Dr Pollock saw the influx of government health services or public health plans and promoted a “no compromise in quality” position for orthodontists. Dr Pollock highlighted the concept that orthodontic problems stem from genetics and the environment and are not resolved only by mechanics, which had given orthodontics the status or unwanted publicity as a craft or a particular appliance camp. He assumed the presidency during the reorganization of the American Society of Orthodontists into the AAO; this required low-key guidance during the heated debates of the transition. B. F. (Tod) Dewel
Each orthodontic editor contributed his unique essence to the advancement of the AJO-DO. Dr Pollock, a close friend of Dr C. V. Mosby, helped establish the American Journal of Orthodontics in 1915. He served as assistant editor for 17 years and then assumed full responsibility from 1932 to 1968. Without missing a single issue, he carried the Journal through the difficult years of the Great Depression and the turmoil of World War II. Dr Pollock instituted the publication of a series of 26 profiles or biographic sketches of outstanding leaders
Dr Dewel pioneered the field of guided tooth eruption and serial extraction, and he demonstrated a high level of clinical excellence in his cases shown in our Journal. He evaluated the concept of serial extractions for 14 years before presenting it on a university program. Tod contributed nearly 200 scientific articles and editorials before, during, and after his service as editor-inchief of the American Journal of Orthodontics between 1968 and 1978. In the AAO, he served as chairman of the Council on Orthodontic Education and, in his humble way, recommended the direction of curricula in our universities. Besides presentations to American universities, he often lectured internationally and thus attracted
H. C. Pollock
B. F. Dewel
Harvey Carlyle Pollock
February 2015 Vol 147 Issue 2
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Guest editorial
155
manuscripts from other nations for the Journal. He truly made our Journal international and increased circulation from 8000 to 13,000. Dr Dewel produced a balanced Journal with clinical and research articles, and he strove to separate subjectivity from objectivity. He also attempted to reduce the promotion of commercial products under the facade of scientific fact with strict advertising standards. Dr Dewel arranged an equal division of profits between the publisher and the AAO. Since then, the Journal has been self-supporting.
expand your knowledge, it becomes obsolete in 10 years.” Dr Watson wrote nearly 100 editorials concerning the design and editing of professional journals, clinical problems, biologic concerns, the need for current research to control bias, and discussions of meetings. He established a cadre of 50 consultants for Journal review. Thomas M. Graber
Dr Watson served as editor from 1978 to 1986 and increased the size of the Journal to 8 by 11 inches to facilitate going from a 1-column to a 2-column format to coordinate illustrations and photos with the text. He also required from authors a 250-word abstract, 5 key words, adherence to the IMRaD format, and an author photograph with each manuscript because of the uptick in computer use and the ease of reading and reference. Abstracts were often the only substantive portion of articles indexed in many electronic data bases and the only portion many orthodontists read. Dr Watson also added to the masthead “A Journal of Dentofacial Orthopedics,” as had been recommended in a September 1976 Journal editorial by Tod Dewel. Dr Watson thought that “it is no longer sufficient to rely on information you gathered during your formal education. The half-life of medical information is about 5 years. Without continuous effort to
Dr Graber's extensive university work with cleft lip and palate and growth control with extraoral traction served our Journal well for attracting new research and manuscripts in those areas. In addition, he wrote over 20 textbooks, many translated into other languages, on complex concepts in his easy-to-read style. Consequently, his knowledge base displayed encyclopedic proportions and presented insight for teaching and a critical eye for the AJO-DO. Because he befriended so many professionals, Tom became a conduit for sharing knowledge between the United States and abroad. To preserve some history of orthodontics, Dr Graber placed biographic sketches in the AJO-DO. His position as editor of reviews and abstracts for the Journal made him an excellent selection as editor-in-chief from 1986 to 2000. With “A Journal of Dentofacial Orthopedics” already on the cover since 1980, Dr Graber added it officially to the title. In addition to increasing the number of color illustrations, he added new sections to the Journal on legal issues, computers, case reports, and continuing education. Dr Graber also presented
Wayne G. Watson
Thomas M. Graber
Wayne G. Watson
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
February 2015 Vol 147 Issue 2
Guest editorial
156
special theme issues of the AJO-DO to deal with root resorption and bonding procedures. Dr Graber led efforts to negotiate a new contract with the publisher that secured for the AAO the ownership of the Journal and the copyright to the material we published. He was vital to the expansion of our Journal.
describe randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews, known as evidence-based research. Dr Turpin returned as interim editor-in-chief until Dr Behrents could take over. David was always there when we needed him most. Vincent G. Kokich
Dr Turpin brought his experience of editorship of the PCSO Bulletin and the Angle Orthodontist to the AJODO. He redesigned the cover to feature clinically interesting content and a patient with a beautiful smile. Dr Turpin expanded the use of color to 100% and discontinued charging authors for it. He implemented an electronic manuscript submission and review protocol for authors and consultants, and submissions increased by 300% because of this and his international presence. David inspired over 500 consultants to help refine our Journal. He added a supplement, the Product Guide, published each April. The expansion of associate editors allowed them to appoint reviewers and then make final recommendations. He initiated an abridged 2-page print supplement format for “online-only” research studies to reduce delays in publication and increase the AJO-DO's clinical material. Dr Turpin presented a plethora of informative and stimulating editorials for our membership during his tenure as editor from 2000 to 2010. They are a great reference source. He will be remembered for his indefatigable determination to present articles that
Dr Kokich's orthodontic teaching career, with masterful lectures, captured and inspired every audience. His unselfish manner benefitted many. He was an excellent choice for editor-in-chief from 2010 until his passing in 2013. Vince often bridged the gap between orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. To determine the quality of evidence presented in research reports, Dr Kokich established a new monthly feature in the AJO-DO entitled “Statistics and research design.” Each month, the article explains an aspect of statistics or research design, with terminology that clinicians can understand. It addresses questions about research design (bias), sample size, significance levels, and tests. Vince encouraged the establishment of evidence-based practices for the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence when making decisions about the care of a patient: ie, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. To answer questions accurately, he established reference to the AJO-DO's Web site. Dr Kokich standardized the case report format, which increased the quality and number of manuscripts submitted to the AJO-DO. Vincent launched several new, innovative features of information dissemination in our Journal:
David L. Turpin
Vincent G. Kokich
David L. Turpin
February 2015 Vol 147 Issue 2
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Guest editorial
157
“Ethics in orthodontics,” “Point-counterpoint,” “Residents' journal review,” and the “Case of the month” online video presentation. He died unexpectedly in 2013, full of plans for the Journal's future. He is missed. Rolf G. Behrents
In June 2014, Dr Behrents brought his vast experience in research and as professor and chairman of several orthodontic departments to our Journal. Rolf proposed the development of an AJO-DO resource center that could speed up the availability of online information for clinicians to make well-informed evidence-based decisions. His goal is to achieve equilibrium between “clinical” and “research-based” articles. He believes a balance should be made between quality of treatment and faster treatment times, as seen in his lively editorials. Orthodontists and the public should be aware of false advertisements. He also indicated that bias and conflicts of interest remain challenges for everyone but will be treated fairly and professionally in the AJO-DO. Dr Behrents looks forward to celebrating the AJO-DO's 100th Anniversary with special features throughout the year, including supplemental issues in April and May, and we look forward to his innovations. Looking ahead
Predictions simulate “market timing.” However, please focus on the future with me. Paperless or e-publication presents the prospect of computer interaction,
Rolf G. Behrents
such as can be executed by a click on or hover over an unfamiliar term. The definition, explanation, or translation to another language appears without reaching for the dictionary or a language reference. Also, superimpositions of cephalometric tracings, and illustrations or progression of tooth movement on models or in the mouth become possible with the movement of a finger. Videos interspersed in articles such as found in “wired” e-magazines provide examples. Touch screens allow instantaneous global communication among orthodontists. Market research suggests that half of all reading in the United States will be done without paper in 2015. The offset printing press and the distribution of a physical product will move toward obsolescence. In e-publishing, the use of tags, style sheets, and meta-data enables reflowable content that adapts to various reading devices or delivery methods. It gives the feel of a game and may enhance a permanent imprint in our mind. As paperless orthodontic offices and classrooms multiply, storage and assignments in the Cloud loom. The Web's characteristic of interactivity brings members closer to research and all communicative activity. Web blogging, where nonresearchers, companies, and the public publish their opinions, may present problems. Concern also rises from possible fragmentation of information through Facebook, Google1, Twitter, and YouTube. There are no renowned orthodontic reviewers or consultants to lend a critical eye to such vastness. However, the peer-review process is maintained by the AJO-DO. Elsevier, our world-class publishing company, is positioning for these challenges. Macworld magazine has published its last hard copy and moved entirely to digital. Perhaps a 300- to 400-word abstract, with an opening statement that strengthens the collaboration between the clinician and the academician, would benefit digital and hard-copy publication of our Journal. Also, the value we once placed on observation alone has been eclipsed by the power of statistics. Data should not be ignored, however; hard figures blended with common sense can offer valuable insights. People increasingly consume more news through e-readers, smart phones, tablets, audio recordings, and other electronic devices. Orthodontists will, too, and I haven't touched on virtual reality or holograms. During this warp-speed transition, abstracts, editorials, discussions or point-counterpoint articles, letters to editor, clinical articles, and specialty-challenging research articles could become a choice for print publication. The editor-inchief is more than a gatekeeper. Creative management produces smooth dissemination of information, digital or hard copy, and the necessary communication with the AAO board. (Watch a video interview with Dr Watson at www.ajodo.org.)
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
February 2015 Vol 147 Issue 2
