Desperately seeking editor for OnTrack, to save it from oblivion !
R.I.P. OnTrack ?
(December 1990 – November 2011) ?
by Mike Krochmal, Managing Director, Autoscan Systems Pty. Ltd.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Having been a loyal reader, sometime contributor and faithful supporter of OnTrack through the ages, I have been very disappointed to learn that this stalwart institution of the fission track dating world appears to be moribund.
There appears to have been no offer of a new editor since the expiry of Kate Dobson’s usual 2-edition tenure as Hon. Editor in 2009. Not only did Kate do an amazing job during her tenure in 2008, but amazingly, she stayed on until the latest online issue (Issue 37 - Vol 19, Issue 1 in November 2011). That’s true dedication ! But with Kate’s move from Glasgow University to Manchester, and a change of job role, she is no longer able to carry on this very worthwhile job.
The earlier, static, pdf issues went from Issue 1 to 27, and spanned the period December 1990 to June 2006. They are available for download in pdf form here : http://www.autoscan.com.au/OnTrack/
As from Issue 28, the publication changed to an online Forum. Issues 28 to 37 are available here : http://www.ontrackforum.org/index.php?option=com_magazine&Itemid=73
I believe that two of the functions of the OnTrack website, in particular, are very attractive and functional :
1. A number of scientific papers which were published over the years. Some of these were PhD theses. Others were more informal, but always informative and often entertaining articles.
2. A listing of current members of the FTD community around the world, with contact details. This list appears to be out of date for some members of the community.
The future of OnTrack looks somewhat grim. The options are :
- A brave soul from among the fission track dating community volunteers to take over the reins of editorship.
- There is no new editor in sight, and Autoscan simply continues to host the link for Issues 1 to 27 of OnTrack, assumes hosting of Issues 28 to 37 (or at least any documents contained in those issues), and exhorts the community members to update their contact information.
- The whole thing collapses into a heap, due to lack of interest.
The end result is really up to YOU ! I implore you to consider becoming involved.
Perhaps the editorship could be shared between two or more persons, in the event that it is too much for one person (although I am assured that the actual work required is quite minimal).
I also believe that this is the right place to sincerely thank Dr. Matthias Raab, Managing Director of MC4-IT. Matthias has been pouring prodigious amounts of energy into establishing and maintaining the OnTrack website.
If OnTrack indeed does meet an untimely demise, I will be extremely disappointed. On the other hand, if there are any brave souls out there, I will be thrilled.
With kind regards and a fervent hope of rescue for OnTrack,
Mike Krochmal
