Welcome!

[Sven Lidin]

Dear All !

Brian has informed me that you are all now registred for the forum. I suggest we start working with the first, and I belive simplest, task, the definition of a clear relationship between the EC and the editors of the IUCr journals. To start of the discussion these are my suggestions:

The relationship between the Editor-in-Chief and the EC should in many ways resemble that between a CEO and a board of directors. The Editor-in-Chief is scientifically responsible for the journals and the EC should restrict itself to matters of principal importance and with major financial implications. The appointment of Section Editors is such a principally important matter since it to some extent sets the scope of the journals and therefore these appointments should be discussed by the Editor-in-Chief and the EC prior to a formal approval by the EC. The section editors should be confirmed by the GA

Coeditors should be suggested to the Editor-in-Chief by the Section Editors, and in practical terms the appointment should be made by the Editor-in-Chief. Suggestions from the Editor-in-Chief should be formally approved by the EC, but this should require no discussion and no confirmation by the GA

The Editor-in-Chief is an ex-officio member of the FC, but is required to meet the EC only occasionally. The presence of the Editor-in-Chief on the FC is certainly necessary, but it would be worth-while to consider inviting the Editor-in-Chief to sit in on part of the EC meetings as well, since this would improve communication on journals-related issues. I do not think the Editor-in-Chief should be a member of the EC (the membership of this body is decided by the GA) and as the Editor in Chief reports to the EC between the meetings of the GA, there should be room for discussions in the EC that does not involve the Editor-in-Chief.

These suggested guidelines are in fact quite similar to what is already practise, but they deserve being made clear. Please post comments/withering criticism/alternative ideas

We should prepare for the first face-to-face meeting of the committe which I think needs to be held in november. The dates avilable for me are nov 10,11,14,24 and 25. Please indicate your availability ASAP,

Sven

[AshwiniNangia]

Dear Sven

I am in 100% agreement with the broad outline you have given for making relationships and formal interactions for the efficient running of IUCr journals. The overlap between the different levels is just right and the delegation of jobs will make sure the administrative mill runs smoothly. There will be a clear chain of tasks and responsibilities and action points flow. Yes, these should be formally stated perhaps to make the implementation happen.

Face 2 face meeting - I am OK with Nov 10,11,14 (any day).

Best regards, Ashwini

[wsteurer]

Dear Sven,

I fully agree with you that it needs a clear definition of the relationships between the editors of the IUCr journals and the EC - who decides what and what has to be approved by whom.

I agree with all you suggested except the point concerning the powers of the editor-in-chief. The co-editors should be suggested by the section editors and approved and appointed by the editor-in-chief. Suggestions for co-editors by the editor-in-chief should be discussed with the responsible section editor and appointed if the section editor agrees. The EC should not be involved in the appointment of co-editors.

Concerning the face-to-face meeting of the committe, for me possible dates are Nov 11, 14, 25. By the way, where should the meeting take place?

Best regards,

walter

[Peter Strickland]

Dear Sven

I also agree that it is important that the relationships between the Editors, the EC and the GA are clearly defined.

The policy you suggest is a change from my understanding of current practice in that the appointments of Co-editors would not be confirmed by the GA. Walter takes this one step further in noting that the EC should not be involved in the appointment of Co-editors - I am in agreement that the GA and EC do not need to be involved in Co-editorial appointments.

I am available for a face-to-face meeting on all the suggested dates. I assume that the meeting will be in Chester, in which case I could also arrange for those who have not been to Chester before to have a tour of the offices and be briefed on the work undertaken in Chester.

Best wishes
Peter

PS I will be out of the office tommorrow and next week, but look forward to reading the developing discussions on my return.

[coppens]

Dear Sven,

I am available to participate in a meeting in Europe on November 14 and November 24-25, but not on November 10-13.

I agree with all the arrangements you describe, except the part about procedure for selecting the section-editors. Consulting the GA would be too cumbersome and time-consuming. As far as the EC is concerned the President should agree with the selection. He/she can decide if further discussion with the EC or part of the EC is necessary. This would define a clear command structure and allow reasonably rapid decisions. I am in favor of the EC being consulted on the appointment of co-editors.

With best wishes

Philip

[Sven Lidin]

Dear All!
From your answers I find the one date that we can all agree to for a face-to-face meeting is nov 14th. Consider that a fixed date. The overall views as to the formal roles of the GA the EC and the EIC in the appointment of editors seems fairly convergent.
The underlying principle is clear: coeditors are suggested by section editors to be approved by the EIC and section editors are suggested by the EIC to be approved by the EC (or by the president). We are not fully in agreement as to whether the EC should have a role in the appointment of coeditors or not, but I think we agree in principle that this is the responsibility of the EIC, but that the EC may or may not be involved in a discussion. Perhaps the inclusion of fixed “ Journals” item on the agenda of all meetings of the EC would be a suitable solution. To this point on the agenda the EIC should be invited. This would involve the EC in the long term strategy for editors without imposing unnecessary constraints on the process.

I think we can finalize the details of this suggestion during our meeting in Chester. Arriving on the evening of the 13th and leaving on the evening of the 14th would give us a a full day for our work.

Sven

[kostorz]

Dear All
I have made a list of items concerning the work of the Editor-in-Chief - maybe not complete but containg items that have occurred, variously disguised, during the last six years. The attachment is a table in PDF format. I hope it will be visible to all of you.
Best wishes
Gernot