The dawn of a new era

Earth sciences, however sophisticated present-day models may be, are based essentially on field data. Such data must not only be collected, but also analyzed and communicated. This was done during the past few centuries primarily in the form of printed material. An era of new ways to disseminate scientific knowledge seems ahead. There will be new media for distribution, but the classical way of handling manuscripts (in particular the refereeing, editing and distribution) will change as well. This will have great impact on the infrastructure of the scientific community. The new generation of editors should be aware that profound knowledge of the technological and social developments is essential for an optimum transfer of information. For the purpose, they should join organizations that deal with these aspects in a professional way. Earth scientists involved in editing a journal (or in some related activity) have the possibility to join the Association of Earth Science Editors (AESE). Members of this organization met in Washington last year, at a conference organized jointly with the European Association of Science Editors (EASE) and the Council of Biology Editors (CBE). The topics discussed at the meeting provide a glimpse of a new era in (earth) science communication.