Getting Started in Electronic Publishing

Abstract

Many journals around the world struggle to attract authors and readers, and frequently suffer from a lack of resources - both human and financial. In addition, research habits are changing and researchers increasingly expect any information to be found online which means that a journal which cannot be located on the web may be effectively invisible. Online publications can help to address some of these issues. At the same time, many readers still seem to prefer print so it may not be possible to stop producing a print edition as well. Publishing a journal electronically sounds very attractive. There are a number of good reasons for doing so, but it does have disadvantages too. Before committing to the effort and expense involved in online publication, it is sensible to look carefully at both the advantages and disadvantages. In the end, the decision will depend on what the main objectives are, so it is important to be clear about the reasons for publishing in the first place: what information is being disseminated, and to whom