The Letters on experimental high-energy physics are getting out of hand. The competition in this branch of physics is so fierce that speedy publication is requested even for unimportant contributions and unfinished work. Authors have expressed the opinion that referees are not objective since they are often themselves engaged in competing research. We have even heard direct accusations that referees deliberately interfered with the publication of Letters. We have investigated such cases and found the accusations unwarranted. However, they reflect the difficulties we encounter, especially in this field.

We have therefore decided to try out a new policy. After 1 August we shall automatically accept all Letters that satisfy the following criteria:

(1) The subject must be new experimental results in high-energy physics.

(2) There shall be no more than two figures and no more than two tables.

(3) The length, including tables, figures, references, and the multiple-author byline can absolutely not exceed three pages in our journal. (This may be roughly translated as not over ten typescript pages, double-spaced with adequate margins; and less if figures are involved.) (4) The Letter must be submitted with a cover letter by the department head or group leader under whose guidance the work was performed. Letters fulfilling the foregoing conditions will not be refereed. The Editors will scrutinize them for obvious flaws; but all further responsibility, such as for originality and for giving proper credit to others, will rest entirely with the authors. Each Letter accepted under this scheme will carry a footnote advising the reader of its status. If this policy proves workable, it may be extended to other fields. For the present, however, it is only the squeaky wheel that is getting the grease.

Close

PrevNext

View figure in article