I got this out of the latest Fisheries journal in the editorial section. I think it's a interesting read, and highlights a problem that the scientific community is having getting good reviewers with the increasing amount of journals popping up. The solution he proposes is very interesting. See what you think.

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He who learns but does not think is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger. --Confucius

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
--Sun Tzu

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.
--African proverb

It is interesting. I do wonder whether making rewies non-anonymous might make especially younger scientists who are asked to review an article tend to be a little more lenient than they would otherwise be, for fear of reprisal form someone more entrenched in the field. Reviewer comments at the end of an article could be printed anonymously, I suppose. They could even be included in the electronic version only (with a notice in the print version that these are available online), as is currently done with supplimentary materials.

...yay for fish pathology!

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please click and help the eggs hatch!

"The only abnormality is the incapacity to love"
-Anias Nin

Fear of reprisal is a real fear. I think the option of remaining anonymous with one's comments, whether new or entrenched, is the way to go until the reprisal aspect disappears.

I also like the idea of seeing who has reviewed what, for those who want to be acknowledged. Often folks request reviewers who will give a favorable rating or request that another be excluded because of competition (not that they are guaranteed to get their requests). Let the reader decide who is being partial in their comments based on this.

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I am an American. That's the way most of us put it, just matter of factly. They are plain words, those four: you could write them on your thumbnail, or sweep them clear across this bright autumn sky. But remember too, that they are more than just words. They are a way of life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them proudly, speak them gratefully. I am an American. ...a tradition

You know, I wonder whether other journals will follow the format of Nature news, and have a section for comments at the end of the article. THose can be left failry anonymously, and by anyone, and occasionally interesting discussions follow. Right now, it's just the news summary articles, not actual research articles that have this feature but there's no reason why it couldn't be done with research papers. Just like a worldwide journal club, you know?

__________________
please click and help the eggs hatch!

"The only abnormality is the incapacity to love"
-Anias Nin