As a meteorologist (BS and MS) and an oceanographer (Ph.D), I have known the AGU and the AMS for a long time. As a contributing author on ocean modeling, I know where I would go to submit my manuscripts before I ever heard of the IF (impact factor). A recent conversation with a friend prompted me to take another look at these two societies again, which made me realize what superpowers they are! (Just check out EGU and AOGS yourself. There is no comparison.) AGU vs. AMS (where "A" stands for American) AMS: The AMS, founded in 1919 , is the nation's leading professional society for those involved in the atmospheric and related sciences. With more than 11,000 (13,000?) members , the Society promotes the development and dissemination of information on atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences through scientific journals, conferences, and public education programs across the country. AGU: The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is an international non-profit scientific association with over 60,000 members . Established in 1919 as a committee within the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, AGU was independently incorporated in 1972. Since its founding, AGU is dedicated to furthering the sciences of geophysics through the individual efforts of our members and in cooperation with other national and international scientific organizations. These goals are met through publishing scientific journals and other technical publications, sponsoring scientific meetings of various sizes throughout the year and a variety of other educational and scientific activities. My impression was that the AMS was more serious about publication quality than the AGU. This is probably due to my personal experiences with JPO (by AMS) and GRL/JGR (by AGU). You can also tell by the listing at the AMS below. Editorial Staff: technical editors and copy editors http://www.ametsoc.org/pubs/index.html Lately, the AMS has added a new link, as many journals do nowadays. Pre-Submission Editing Services: http://www.ametsoc.org/PUBS/preeditservices.html Personally, I think the AMS can do better than listing these editing companies, but that's another Blog. The AGU has been making lots of progress. One thing I really like is their "Editors’ Highlight." http://www.agu.org/pubs/journals/highlights.shtml Clearly, the AGU care a lot about publications. For example, it shows the IF at its web site. http://www.agu.org/pubs/journals/statistics.shtml It also lists some editing companies at its web site, which really needs a "make over." Language-Editing Services http://www.agu.org/pubs/authors/ I saw some pie charts at the AGU site, which show the publication brings in a net 2% (so does the membership). I don't know how to run a big non-profit organization like the AGU or the AMS, but I suppose 2% is a lot of money (and a lot of work) ...
标签: superpowers
