Editorial

It's an old custom that editors do not use the first person singular, they speak on behalf of a publication or an organization as "We" or they speak impersonally. But I find it appropriate to violate that custom now—because I am preparing to abandon my editorship.

Something over a year ago, the publishing firm I had worked for for over a decade restructured their work flow so that copy editing was entirely outsourced rather than done by employees. As a result, I'm no longer an employee there. They have continued to have work for me, but as a freelancer rather than as an employee, and I've also found assignments with several other publishing firms that need the services of a copy editor. But the unpredictable volume of work has often left me too busy for unpaid volunteer duties. This is why this issue of Prometheus is several months late—for which I offer my apologies to the readers who, I hope have been awaiting it impatiently. I can no longer count on having time enough for my duties as editor. And so at the end of this year, I will step down.

The LFS Board of Directors has not yet selected my replacement. though one applicant is being considered; anyone interested should contact Chris Hibbert. I expect to be working with my successor over the rest of 2003. But in contrast to my practice, and that of my predecessor, Anders Monsen, and most of Prometheus' editors my successor will likely be a true editor: someone who selects and formats material but does not write it. And that's where you, the people reading this. come in.

Why have the previous editors written so much of their own material? Because it's very difficult to get other people to do so. At a certain point, the editor has to choose between pursuing people who may have something to say, if they an inkling to write it and submit it—or sitting down and turning out one more book review or news item. which may be easier and more certain to produce results. Ironically. some of my best sources have been professional writers such as David Brin and J. Neil Schulman, who really ought to have been writing for money—but who were kind enough to make an exception on our behalf.

I urge you to write for Prometheus. If you read a books or see a film that you think other people2 should hear about—here's the place to tell your fellow libertarians! As I said. I can't count on having the time to write regularly but I plan to remain an active contributor. as I was before I took on the editorship.

Libertarians like to talk about voluntary contributions being sufficient to keep a free society working. This is your chance to prove that it's so. Make it happen.