Editorial: a novel approach to plastic surgery journals: thinking out of the mailbox.

During the past year, 2 of the major plastic surgery journals have published editorials summarizing the various perceived roles of a plastic surgery journal. Rohrich suggested that the primary role is to represent plastic surgery societies as the “primary source for surgeons to keep current on the latest techniques, trends, and technologies.” Lineaweaver claimed that a journal, independent of any affiliated societies, should present a peer reviewed, selected “finite amount of information at regular intervals.” Both editors speculate on the role of Web-based journalism and mention open access (OA) publishing as a potential avenue for disseminating scientific information.