2016 has brought multiple changes to the journal. I would like to thank Christian Pierce for leading the way by taking the baton from Suzanne Ferris and Steven Alford. Christian was at the helm of the journal for the past two years, steering the ship forward through sometimes familiar waters, and other times, new and unchartered territory. The ship analogy is being employed here, because, unlike a motorcycle–and the solo journey–the journal is a result of a collective of academics, writers, riders, researchers, and readers. IJMS is not a solo ride but depends on leadership, contributions, and readership. Christian was instrumental in the planning, the organization, and the success of the 2015 conference that took place at the impressive Barber Motor Sports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. He also helped organize with Editorial Board Member and 2016 Lead Conference Planner Caryn Simonson this year’s 2016 conference which was held in London, UK at the Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London. Both conferences were a stupendous mix of academic examination of the motorcycle and its phenomenological reach across disciplines, communities connected to motorcycle culture. I would like to thank Christian for his dedication to the journal and for his creative energies that have helped make IJMS a unique platform for the study of motorcycle culture. Christian will stay on as Reviews Editor, as I take on the role of Managing Editor, with the help of our submissions editor, John Sumser, and webmaster Tim Fransen, and the IJMS Editorial Board.
After several meetings and discussions amongst members of the Editorial Board, IJMS will change its publishing model or process to reflect the current culture of electronic media. Instead of following a print model where we publish issues based on a calendric release, we will be publishing articles as they complete the submission and peer review process. As a web-based, electronic journal, and as a journal with readership, authorship, and editiorship circulating from around the globe, it makes sense to publish in this more timely way. We look forward to the various upcoming releases of articles and hope that our readership will enjoy this new process. We also hope to expand the types of articles that IJMS publishes, with photo-based articles, video, and connections crossing media.
CALL FOR PAPERS 7th International Journal of Motorcycle Studies Conference
We are in the planning stages for our annual conference (2017). Next year’s conference (2017) will take place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, hosted by the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Please see the CALL FOR PAPERS announcement for more information.
It is with great enthusiasm and excitement about the upcoming articles, conference, and future conversations about motorcycles that I welcome you to submit an article, read and research past, present articles, present and, or attend our conference next year.
Warm Wishes and Happy Holidays,
Sheila A. Malone, PhD
Managing Editor, IJMS
15.12.16
