Abstract
The idea of the International Journal of STD and AIDS was first discussed in 1989. This followed a series of meetings between several senior members of MSSVD (the predecessor to British Association for Sexual Health and HIV [BASHH]) and the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM). At the time there were very few journals dealing with HIV/AIDS and a there appeared to be a need for a new journal. Nicol Thin, Michael Waugh, Willie Harris and James Bingham were closely involved in discussion with Howard Croft (publications manager) of the RSM. Without these five individuals with their vision and support in the early years the journal would have been impossible. Following the decision to start a journal the first decision was to appoint an editor. I was appointed in April 1989. The journal was named and it is my recollection that this was a group decision. Discussions then revolved around the composition of the editorial board. The initial board was crucial to the success of the journal. We attempted to have a board whose members were well-recognized experts and opinion leaders both in the UK and internationally. A strong representation of experts from the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) was also considered important to the credibility of a journal which was aiming to be international rather than regional. We hoped and expected that the original board would contribute to the first issues of this journal and give it credibility. It was no small undertaking to ask very busy and highly recognized experts to give their time, expertise and reputation to a journal that did not even exist at the time when they were asked to write. Nevertheless, many rose to the challenge and produced articles of high quality.
At an early stage, the first date of the first issue was agreed as January 1990. With only days to spare, there were enough manuscripts for the first issue. The second issue, only eight weeks away, was an act of faith from all involved, as there were no papers available at the time! Myself and Howard Croft were the sole holders of this sensitive information!! Luckily material arrived just in time and the second and third issues came out on schedule and after this we were in the fortunate position of turning material away. The early years were a constant series of conferences, phone calls and letters to authors, trying to obtain the best material possible.
However, within a short time the journal was a victim of its own success and inundated with papers. Howard Croft made the bold decision to produce one of the few monthly publications in the field and immediately there was enough material of quality.
Looking back over the past 20 years there have been many memorable moments. Early listing in Index Medicus was a landmark. Other major landmarks were when the Journal became the official journal of a series of important professional organizations including the Society for the Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Ireland (SSSTDI), IUSTI, the Association for Genitourinary Medicine (AGUM) and eventually one of the two official journals of BASHH. It was agreed at annual Journal committee meetings that the Journal would not chase citation indices or impact factors. It was felt to be important to provide a service to junior doctors by providing a forum for papers such as audits and case reports, which are rarely cited but often widely read by readers. Many authors had reasonably good results and an interesting paper which was poorly written and perhaps from units without reputations for research or from authors whose first language clearly was not English. Hundreds of these papers were rewritten with the author over the past 20 years and this was one of the most rewarding aspects of editorship.
I cannot start to name all the individuals who gave of their time and experience willingly and frequently without reward. Fortunately, I always had someone to call on for advice. This was frequently sought and usually helped to clarify difficult problems. The authors contributed to the strength of the journal, which hopefully the readers have benefitted from. The referees are the great unsung heroes of any journal. Peer review is essential, and it is not possible without the efforts of literally several thousand referees over the years.
The staff of RSM have always been helpful, cheerful and reliable. In particular, Delia Siedle, Yvonne Rue and Helen McKay were all pillars of support, and were frequently called on for advice in difficult circumstances. Howard Croft was always refreshing as publications manager at RSM and has handed this mantle to the steady hand of Peter Richardson who will guide the journal on the next stage of its development.
The major change in recent years has been the change to an Internet base. This has helped with submission of articles from all areas of the world and transformed the editorial process. It has improved communication with authors and with the referees. There are now approximately 700 articles arriving per year, with a relentless year on year rise. There are seasonal fluctuations in article submission and I am glad the new editors will deal with the efforts of authors over the Christmas period this year.
Finally, I wish the two new editors, John White and Martin Fisher, every success in the latest phase of the journal's development. I hope they derive as much job satisfaction and pleasure from the post as I have and hope the next 20 years will be as good as the last 20 years both for the journal and its readers.