It is easier to start something than to keep it going and be successful—that's a saying that I've often used as I see new activities or enterprises initiated. Drying Technology was initiated after a study of the need for a specialized journal by Marcel Dekker, Inc., and the publication of the successful book Dictionary of Drying (1979) by Carl W. Hall. It was obvious that there was an interest in a publication to meet the specialized needs in drying, even though many other journals published articles on drying. People in the field were interested. Institutions and industries sponsoring research were interested. The potential publisher was also interested. An international editorial advisory board was named and gave valuable advice. So it was easy to initiate the journal after a year or two of gestation with the first issue as volume 1, number 1 in 1983–1984.
Keeping the journal going has been more demanding and significant than starting it; many technically specialized journals did not make it through 25 years. The number of issues varied but now has reached a maximum of 12 issues per year. Early on, the decision was made to publish peer-reviewed articles while at the same time accepting research notes and related information. The willingness of hundreds of people, usually anonymous, to review articles and raise questions and recommend possible modification and whether or not the journal should accept the article for publication is simply overwhelming. Part of the success of the journal must go to these unsung reviewers.
Much of the credit for the continued success of the journal goes to Arun S. Mujumdar, who upon my retirement assumed editorship of the journal after giving unselfishly in submitting articles, notes, reviews and reviewers, and advice in the earlier years. Credit is also given to Purnima, Arun's wife, who contributed much time and effort to assure the quality and timeliness of the journal. A portion of the success of the journal can also be attributed to the very successful International Drying Symposium (IDS) organized by Arun and held every two years at various locations around the world. These became valuable sources for the latest research and kept the journal viable.
With the new publisher, Taylor & Francis, Dr. Mujumdar is working to continue publication of the journal using some new formats. Getting research results quickly available to others worldwide will continue to be a driving force for the journal and assure its acceptance. The demand for the journal continues after 25 years. Best wishes to all for continued success of the journal—keep it going!