Time is a difficult dimension to articulate, given both its relative and absolute, its subjective and objective qualities. My time as editor of JABA has been both long and short, both slow and quick. And now my time is over.
Editing this journal has been the most stimulating and educational experience of my career. With very few exceptions, it has been highly reinforcing. The authors, reviewers, and action editors have all taught me much about our discipline through their editorial work and professional conduct. On those occasions when I needed assistance, I always found someone who provided it quickly. On those occasions when I offered guidance, the response was almost always gracious. This process has taught me much and has reassured me regarding the intellectual health of our discipline and the competence of the people who work within our field. I thank the SEAB board for giving me the opportunity to serve as editor and, in so doing, for giving me the opportunity to learn.
I will forever be in debt to the associate editors who served during my term: Brian Martens, Pat Friman, Wayne Fisher, Joe Spradlin, Jim Halle, Tim Vollmer, and Cathleen Piazza, and I offer them my gratitude and respect. To Agnes DeRaad, my editorial assistant for JABA, I offer my thanks and admiration, as I view her as the best editor with whom I have ever worked. To Vic Laties, I thank you for your leadership and support. To Mary Louise Wright and Kathy Hill, I thank you for your professionalism and dedication.
We have all benefited from the high quality and timely performance of numerous guest associate editors, reviewers, and authors. We received very few manuscripts that were not of high quality, very few studies that were not publishable in numerous journals, very few reviews that were not constructive, and very few action letters that were not superb.
When I was first asked about my goals as editor several years ago, my candid reaction was that I did not want to fail the journal. I now realize that it would have been extremely difficult to fail. Mont Wolf and Todd Risley put together an incredible process for managing the journal, with equally incredible documentation. My task was simply to follow their procedures. The associate editors, reviewers, and authors combined to make the journal function smoothly. And former editors were always willing to provide guidance as needed.
JABA has become an important part of many professional lives, and its performance is monitored quite closely. This makes it possible for its editors to attempt new initiatives because feedback is quick and contingent. To all who offered such feedback, thank you. The continuation of previous initiatives (e.g., the emphasis on bridge studies) and the development of new initiatives (e.g., study questions, new emphasis on behavior therapy) were all a direct result of your responses. I especially want to thank Linda Cooper and Brian Iwata for their efforts to help me and the journal through their extra work and frequent feedback.
I have never worked so hard on one set of activities for such a long period of time. JABA has been my highest priority during the last 3 years. It is now time for Bud Mace to take over, and I hope his 3 years are as satisfying to him as my term has been to me.
David P. Wacker, Editor