Why, oh why, do people agree to review a paper then not do so? It’s not like we grab them in a headlock until they agree! We just had another author inconvenienced because an inconsiderate reviewer disappeared off the radar. Yeah, we’ll find another, but we would have liked to have done so two months ago.
We realize sometimes you’re busy. There is no shame in declining to review a paper; we’re not even concerned about the reason. “Thanks, I but can’t do it now. Try again some other time” works just fine. Even if you look at a paper and then feel you’re not really qualified, or you need some more time, a quick note to Susan or the Associate Editor will get you off the hook with a thanks for your courtesy.
Manuscript Central has a long memory. There are two ways to be sure you’re not asked to review papers. The honorable one is to simply ask us to mark you as unavailable. The other one is a blot on your record.
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So, what is the requirement to become an Associate Editor?
Thank you.
Obviously, the patience to deal with the idiosyncrasies of reviewers is one qualification.
Seriously, I would rank communications skills, reliability, and good judgment highly, as well as technical expertise. Associate Editors are appointed by the Editor; the normal term is 3 years, but can be extended by mutual agreement. Each Associate Editor handles from 3 to 20 manuscripts per year (depending on the subject), selecting reviewers and recommending a decision.
Announcements of openings for Associate Editors will be made in this blog, the front pages of the Journal, and in messages to the relevant AWRA Technical Committees.