cc: , , , "hadi@cmu.edu" , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001 13:28:08 -0400 from: Hadi Dowlatabadi subject: Re: [New] Editorial for Climate Policy, Issue 2. to: , Climate Policy Dear Ken, I agree with your perspective, but why not set a realistic target? The editorial columns at Science, Nature and New Scientist have rarely hidden their subjective perspectives. I think there are shades to this, and Michael can be a shade grayer, but the passion is also important. The dialogue approach allows him to be editor, hold strong opinions, but still be viewed as someone who is willing to listen. This is how Steve Schneider has conducted his reign at Climatic Change and I believe despite his well known personal perspectives he has been able to draw on many in the community to contribute to the dialogue that defines the differences in perspectives permeating this subject. Hadi on 4/20/01 1:15 PM, Kchomitz@worldbank.org at Kchomitz@worldbank.org wrote: > > Dear Michael, > I really like the solution of presenting view and counterview articles. I > retain some reservations about your proposed editorial. It seems to me that > you > have the difficult problem of wearing two hats: one as the advocate of > particular policies and viewpoints, and the other as an editor of a journal > which aspires to be a neutral forum for policy discussion. I appreciate and > sympathize with the depth and grounding of your personal views. However, as > editor, it seems to me, you have to bend over backwards to be neutral. The > editorial uses charged words like 'demonize' and could easily spark the war of > words you wish to avoid. A strongly worded editorial risks associating the > journal with a particular viewpoint, and hence reducing the journal's value > and > reputation as a neutral forum. > > Maybe this just reflects a parochial American viewpoint of what an editor > does, > or perhaps the hypersensitivities of someone working at an international > organization. I'd be interested in others' views. > > > regards > Ken > > > > ___________________ > Kenneth M. Chomitz > Development Research Group > World Bank > 1818 H St. NW > Washington DC 20433 > tel 202 473 9498 > fax 202 522 3230 > email kchomitz@worldbank.org > http://www.worldbank.org/research/ >