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Armchairs induce daydreams. I had a happy one the other day. It was a conversation between the Chief Editor and the "Composite" Author, something that editors yearn for, but in real life can never occur. Too bad, because the best hope for misunderstandings is face-to-face communication. That is why heads of state travel.
This is how the dialogue went.
Editor: When you have written an article, how do you decide on what journal to send it to?
Author: The first thing I think of is the size and special interest of its readership.
Editor: What else; does prestige play a part?
Author: Yes, I guess so; we all have a natural desire to hobnob with the great. It is common to say, "Let's try the—Journal of Medicine. Dr—just might take it. If he doesn't, we can send it somewhere else."
Editor: After one paper has been accepted, where do