Thorax: the teenage years

We have been at the helm for 18 months—where have we got to, where should we aim for (other than staying out of the divorce courts)? Napoleon preferred lucky generals, and Thorax has lucky Editors in Chief because we have a great team of deputy editors, associate editors, production staff and editorial board. A former Editor in Chief (it is said!) used to write to authors to say either “I am sorry, but the Associate Editor has recommended rejection of your manuscript” or “I am pleased to tell you I that have accepted your paper”. By contrast, we feel our brilliant team take the credit for what has gone right—any mistakes are rightly laid at the door of the undersigned. They have all worked exceedingly hard, and our twice yearly meetings have been full of energy and enthusiasm and great fun. A big thank you to you all. No process is perfect. Incoming manuscripts are checked by the staff and, if they conform to the journal style, are assigned to the Editors in Chief. Note please: we are toughening up, and if your manuscript is too long or has too many references, it will be returned unrefereed for you to edit; …