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Online Versus Print: Responses Galore!

Berquist.Thomas{at}mayo.edu

In the October 2008 Editor's Notebook, we discussed the explosion of material available online. Was it time for the American Journal of Roentgenology to move to online-only products [1]? You may recall my own old personal approach of "rip, staple, and save" for key journal articles. This resulted in discarding much of the content of each issue. However, over the years, I have increased my computer skills and find online searches and reviews to be much more efficient. I still print the key articles required for writing purposes. Recently, AJR created a menu that enables subscribers to select online, print, or both for their monthly subscriptions. The online-only subscription is provided at a reduced rate compared with the print journal, which is more expensive to produce. Therefore, readers can receive the journal in the format or formats they choose.

So why am I bringing the print versus online issue back to the editorial section so soon? The last paragraph of the October editorial (To Print or Not to Print: Are We Ready for Online Only?) suggested we needed to improve our print and online products. In addition, we suggested that a timeline could be set for moving to online-only products. As a part of the process, we asked to hear your thoughts on the issues discussed [1]. You must have been paying attention. The reader responses were amazing, heartfelt, and greatly appreciated. Obviously, this was not a formal survey that included the entire readership. However, 61% of responses strongly supported retaining the print journal, 22% preferred online only, and 17% chose access to both the print and online formats. We all have our preferred methods of reading the AJR. Let's review some of the comments in each category.

Readers preferring the print journal (61% of responses) provided united themes. The online material is less convenient; it's hard to read a large amount of text on the computer; we don't carry computers around everywhere we go; and if ARRS doesn't provide the print journal, many stated they would cancel their subscriptions. One reader pleaded, "I implore you to continue to print my favorite journal."

Another reader provided a list of five reasons the print journal is preferred over the online journal:

1. "The printed format is more pleasing to the eye,"
   
2. "I often read in bed, or in the car, hotel, etc., where I would not have access to the journal,"
   
3. "The image quality seems better,"
   
4. "I still like to highlight important information," and
   
5. "If it's out of sight, it may become out of mind."
   

One respondent provided 18 reasons why we need to continue the print journal and provided additional suggestions for improving the print and online products. His comments included requesting "how I do it" articles, more review articles, and a monthly e-mail of the next table of contents to provide a quick and easy look at the upcoming journal articles (note that AJR readers already can sign up for this service; you'll find the link on www.ajronline.org).

Twenty-two percent of those responding to the October editorial prefer the online-only format. Their comments included "I always read online and as for research topics this is usually done online as well. I'm all in favor of deep-sixing the print version." Another reader stated "Paper technology seems to be at its end. One sign: I did save the yellow journals from the 1960s to 2005. The shelves they occupied finally surrounded me in my study. But, when it was time to move away from our old home, the local library had no use for the 40 linear feet of books." Finally, "Having received my specialty training in the early 1980s, I clearly belong to the old school. However, through the years, I have become convinced that the print version of radiology journals is outmoded and no longer justified."

Seventeen percent of responders found value in both. Comments included:

• "I strongly believe that we should have both the print and online AJR."
  
• "Both the printed and online issues are very welcome as they have their individual advantages for me. I certainly will continue to pay for the printed issues and I hope that the printed issues will be available in the future."
  
• "You are a full-service shop and I hope you are able to continue in that fashion."
  

Page budgets for the American Journal of Roentgenology include 264 editorial pages for the print journal (this does not include advertising or other pages not directly controlled by the editor) and an additional 100 pages in the online journal. Keep in mind, AJR online is the journal of record. As you know, the print journal includes original research, review articles, perspectives, pictorial essays, clinical observations, and technical innovations. Readers are also alerted and directed to the Web exclusive content.

Those who prefer the online journal are likely familiar with its many positive features. AJR online (www.ajronline.org) provides more flexibility for complex images (including cine films and videos), CME content, and access to AJR Integrative Imaging, which focuses on lifelong learning. Other useful features include ready access to the most-read and most-cited articles, RSS, easy access to the AJR archive, and Hot Topics. As stated in the October issue, we want to continue to improve AJR's online offerings.

We have no plan to discontinue the print journal at this time. The new subscription methods (print, online only, or both) will provide interesting data as readers and new subscribers vote on how they prefer to receive the journal.

In the meantime, we continue to consider your comments and recommendations. Beginning with this January 2009 issue, we will feature different highlighted sections each month. This does not mean the issue will be entirely one topic. Instead, the new approach allows us to focus on a certain section to include new "hot topics" and critical review articles in the field. Neuroradiology/Head and Neck Imaging is the highlighted section for January. The Section Editor, Dr. James M. Provenzale, has selected pediatric neuroradiology for this year's highlighted issue. The section will include two pictorial essays, two review articles, and four original research articles. The February issue will highlight women's imaging.

In July, we will begin the roll-out of our residents' section. A recent survey of residents indicated their priorities to be resident-oriented review articles, anatomy and anatomic variants, pattern of the month, top 10 pearls by journal section, and board review topics. It is important to engage our radiology trainees early to increase their familiarity with the ARRS and the American Journal of Roentgenology.

We're pleased with the interest that the October Editor's Notebook generated and appreciate all of the responses we received. Our goal is to continue to improve every aspect of the print and online journals. Your comments help reinforce the mission and vision of the editors and staff. We ask for your continued comments and sup port as we strive to make AJR the "must-read journal."

References

1. Berquist TH. To print or not to print: are we ready for online only? AJR2008; 191:949 -950.[Free Full Text]

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				T. H. Berquist Manuscript Categories: New Refinements Am. J. Roentgenol., February 1, 2009; 192(2): 319 - 320. [Full Text] [PDF]

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Berquist, T. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Berquist, T. H. Social Bookmarking                      What's this? Hotlight (NEW!) What's Hotlight?