[Bell Historians] Learned Journal

[R.J.Johnston]

Sounds a good idea for a specialist journal: perhaps start as an annual?

Ron Johnston



On Thu, 28 Nov 2002, George Dawson wrote:

> I see in todays RW (29.11.02 p 1203) in the report of the Library Committee that a technical journal is proposed.
> Below is part of a letter I am sending to Bill Butler on this matter. I would be interested to hear the views of others.
>
> GAD
>
> Dear Bill,
>
> Thank you for your letter concerning a learned journal.
>
>
>
> I have thought about this scheme and have come to the conclusion that I feel it is not a good idea for the following reason:
>
> The Ringing World has for its life been a place where such articles could be published, and indeed have been. I think particularly of George Elphicks article on the dating of blank bells in this connection. It may well be that the majority of the readership do not have any interest in specialist topics, but that does not mean they should not be published there. Exposure of non-specialists to such articles could have beneficial effect and an interest sparked. There are few enough people active in bell research in its broadest sense and I feel that exposure is far better than hiding away in separate volumes. This exclusivity I feel will be counter-productive in the longer term.
>
> On other matters have you done any research on potential numbers of subscribers and the schemes financial viability?
>
>