THE KALEIDOSCOPE TURNS

Abstract

KALEIDOSCOPE: “An instrument containing loose bits of colored glass between two flat plates and two plane mirrors so placed that changes of position of the bits of material are reflected in an endless variety of patterns.” —Merriam-Webster The role of the editor of a scientific journal is to collect, assess, and distribute scientific data to the appropriate communities. We are living in what has been called “The Information Revolution”—an era when the fundamental body of scientific knowledge is doubling every six years—a time when enterprises turn over at a rate of 10% per year—a time when only 20–30% of professionals are considered to have the ability to remain truly current. We all want to be “modern.” Therefore, ignorance may be considered a principal poverty. For the contemporary neurosurgeon, doing nothing to remain current is not an option. More than a decade ago, it became evident that the digital age brought technology and capabilities that needed to be embraced. NEUROSURGERY was quick to act, incorporating CD distribution into its activities as it digitized its database (4, 6). At the same time the multifaceted NEUROSURGERY-Online was established, offering new dimensions of data presentation and extensive use of digital video technology, establishing Operative Nuances as a staple offering (2, 3, 5). A quantum leap was taken when Pegasus was introduced, offering online submission and review, streamlining the peer review process (1). The entry of the Ovid data distribution platform and numerous licensures assured the reach of the published data to more than 13 million readers in the scientific community worldwide. NEUROSURGERY-Online now experiences hundreds of thousands of unique users and millions of page views monthly. Thanks to Internet technology, the website has expanded, offering currently more than 30% more data than the current print offerings of 5500 pages yearly. The kaleidoscope of digital technology “turns” once again. This month, NEUROSURGERY will begin offering PODCASTS through NEUROSURGERY-Online to facilitate the mobile distribution and evaluation of materials by those in the scientific community who will acclimate to this form of modern data availability. Podcasting, available via the internet, is audio content that can be downloaded to a computer or MP3 player. Users of NEUROSURGERY-Online can simply subscribe, free of charge, to the NEUROSURGERY feed and each new monthly offering will download automatically. Its convenience and scope of impact cannot be denied. NEUROSURGERY plans to expand and develop the breadth of offerings in upcoming months in a continued effort to provide the scientific community opportunities to achieve and maintain a sense of modernity and relevance. Michael L.J. Apuzzo Los Angeles, CA

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