Re: hosta-open DIGEST V1 #400

For me, I'm glad we have both the Hosta Journal (THJ) and HostaScience.  As hosta growers, we are richer for having both and I hope both are successful in reaching their target audiences.  I enjoy reading both. 

I do feel the need to respond to a couple comments Bill made:

<<Without getting into the quality of the material
as I have not yet read it, I will say that Ed is not known for being
concise.>>

That is a rather ridiculous statement to make.  As someone who has read Ed's material, I can say it's remarkably focused, technically thorough, and anything but verbose. In other words, it is concise.

<<The only objections I've heard from AHS officials about Ed's journal
concern his intentional distortion of AHS policy... >>
        
If there have been intentional distortions, I hope someone will document them.  To refute his claims without evidence is rather unconvincing, to say the least.  According to Ed, three of his manuscripts had been accepted for publication 3 to 9 months prior to the Board's action (when the manuscripts were suddenly deemed unacceptable).  And they were returned with the edict that "Original scientific papers containing extensive data from laboratory experiments are better published in a refereed archival scientific journal; however, The Hosta Journal welcomes summary papers."  Is it your contention that Ed fabricated this statement?  Or did it apply to Ed Elslager only?

<<... and his drawing good scientific articles away from the AHS Journal to his own publication.>>

Why would anyone want to publish "good scientific articles" in the AHJ if supporting evidence is unwelcome?  That's not science and that's not the scientific method.  And it seems to contradict the Board's decree I quoted above. 

You can't have it both ways.  If you only want scientific summary papers, why aren't you thrilled that another publication will facilitate that?  If you want good scientific articles, are you willing to make space available for good research and documentation?  If not, don't pretend that Ed is stealing away articles from the AHJ. 

Personally, I hope the two journals can develop a symbiosis to benefit all hosta lovers.  The personal attacks and accusations I can do without.

John Christensen
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