An interesting comment. It seems however that ANY scientific article
ought to be peer reviewed prior to publication. Perhaps that is the
intent here, lots of peers out there.
Any scientific article ought to be permanently available in an archive,
such as a library in print or on CDROM, in addition to being widely
distributed in an timely manner.
Any publication, electronic or not ought to be copyrighted to validate
its authenticity and to protect the rights of the author. An electronic
archive would be useful here. Perhaps the Library of Congress should step
forward. Electronic publication is always derived from the written work.
But here, perhaps sans paper. It is somewhat like the poor man's
copyright. Put a "copy" in an envelope and mail it to yourself for the
date stamp. The medium should be as permanent as possible.
With respect to the validity of the work, again, peer review is the
ultimate answer. Perhaps we have the opportunity to create an
electronic-peer-review tradition.
Otherwise the medium apears to be irrelevant.
MS
============================================================================
D. Michael Satterwhite, PhD. Phone: 208-799-2890 at LCSC
Division of Natural Science and Mathematics Home: 208-746-3628/7288
Lewis-Clark State College Fax: 208-799-2064
500 8th Street
Lewiston, Idaho 83501 e-mail: msatterw at www.lcsc.edu
