Whats ahead for the scientific abstract process?
The electronic information age is upon us, and many ASA members routinely use electronic media for communication. The scientific abstract submission, selection and publication processes can be easily adapted to the electronic environment. There appear to be numerous potential benefits from electronification of these processes. First, the submission process will be greatly facilitated. The collection, replication and mailing of paper abstract submissions are expensive and time-consuming. Most, if not all, clinicians and researchers in our field are very familiar with word processing and the use of the Internet and Web technology. Electronic submission should be a fairly easy conversion to make. Second, abstract review, grading and selection is performed by 154 dedicated ASA members who serve on the 14 subcommittees of the Committee on Scientific Papers. Nearly all are facile with electronic media, and they have repeatedly suggested that the abstracts be sent to them electronically. This
