Abstract
In this issue I would like to introduce a new initiative whereby past editors, past presidents of the Society, and prominent members of the Society have been asked to contribute a personal view on their experiences during their careers. Although I did not tell the contributors exactly what I wanted, I have given some guidance as to where I believe each can give a slightly different perspective on the issues of today, and whereas some of the articles will focus on where the profession is developing in the coming years, others will undoubtedly reminisce over good times past. Some of the articles will be controversial, and some will undoubtedly be whimsical, but they should all give us an insight into where, in the author’s view, things have gone right or wrong during the evolution of the science over the time of their involvement. I sincerely believe we have much to learn from the varying experiences of those who make up our Society, and I hope you will enjoy reading these “Guest Editorials” over the next few issues. If they are successful, I hope they will become a permanent feature.
We have the privilege of kicking off this initiative with the article by Carl Alden, who was Editor-in-Chief of the journal from 1996 to 1998.