First Palanth issue

[Jacques Cinq-Mars]

Well, since there seems to be a demonstration of interest on the part of some, re: the actual launch of Palanth (the Journal), here goes:

The first “hoped for” date for the launch of the Inaugural issue (late Fall/early Winter 2002/2003) was, admittedly, based on a ridiculously naïve assessment, of the complexities of  such a project. I like to think that this was caused by nothing else “youthful enthusiasm” (!) on my part and, therefore, I do not feel a need to apologize for this initial delay.

The second, more realistic projected date/launch (i.e., the one Mikey brought up) also fell flat on its face and this, for the following, personal reasons:

- the crystallization of rather serious professional difficulties that had been brewing for a quite a while;

- the discovery of a number of major health problems that, over a period of more than a year, gave me the opportunity to develop a vast experience with many representatives of the medical profession as well as pretty good appreciation of what hospitals are all about;

-  the unfortunate disappeance of a few “trusted” collaborators;

- etc.

I am not sure I should come up with apologies for all that, except for those that will be for the authors of a number of papers who where kind enough to put their trust in the Palanth concept.

During the Winter 2003/2004, my personal storms having somewhat abated, I arrived at the conclusion that a late Spring/early Summer would be a realistic time for the launch in question. This however was to no avail. To add insult to injuries, the company that we had selected to support/power the Journal chose to go belly up, at about this time, essentially leaving us in a difficult electronic limbo.

Refusing to take this kind of “no” for an answer and in order to avoid other incidents of this type, we decided to go ahead with the creation of an in-house, independent, self-supporting system. In other words, a fair bit of programming -- designed to maintain Palanth’s presentation concept and style – was required. This work was carried out in June, July, and early August and the actual product was finally made available last Friday. The next (ongoing) phase of this rather complicated exercise is for the Palanth team to familiarize itself with the new program and to work out the bugs in collaboration with the programmer. This done, we will then be in a position to put back together a first full issue of the Journal, and it now appears that a September/early October date makes sense for the actual launch. However, having learned a few painful lessons the hard way, you’ll understand if , this time, I chose not come up with another actual, firm, and foolish promise!

More info on the status of the Journal and complementary Palanth activities will be circulated (on the Forum and by email) in the course of the next few weeks.

Jacques Cinq-Mars

[Mikey Brass]

Dare I ask, Jacques, what is the latest news on the launch of the journal (surely any articles obtained for it are now effectively out of date anyways) ?

[Jacques Cinq-Mars]

Started by Mikey Brass | Last post by Mikey Brass

Dare I ask, Jacques, what is the latest news on the launch of the journal (surely any articles obtained for it are now effectively out of date anyways) ?

Dear Mikey,

My most sincere apologies for this belated response to your question which, I am sure, stems from genuine concern.

Bluntly put, the utterly ridiculous delay you are referring to results from a sickening combination of rather difficult health, professional, and organisational problems I have had to deal with over the last two years or so and that are, just now, in the process of being resolved, hopefully to the satisfaction of all.

As for your revealing “parenthesis”, all I can say at this time is that – - but for one possible exception -- the articles of subtance that I have obtained so far should pass in the near future your professional editorial relevancy test.

I’ll have more to say about these issues as soon as we will have managed to put the Forum back into shape.

Jacques

[lagarvelho]

Jacquees and all:


I was wondering if Palanth was still active. For the past month and a half, up until today, I just kept getting garbage on the screen and no access.  I am glad to see that the Forum is still here and so is Palanth.  And, needless to say, I look forward to seeing what is in your Inaugural issue.  You will notice that I've changed  to a more "personal" avatar, but one which is sort of "paleoanthropology themed".
Anne G

[Mikey Brass]

-  the unfortunate disappeance of a few “trusted” collaborators;

If you ever need any assistance in any way in an area you think may be suitable, feel free to drop me an e-mail offlist.

The next (ongoing) phase of this rather complicated exercise is for the Palanth team to familiarize itself with the new program and to work out the bugs in collaboration with the programmer.

I much prefer this new interface. It has been a few weeks since I last visited and the activity has picked up quite a bit. Best of luck for the familiarisation process and being able to launch the journal.