I received this email today:
>
> Hi John,
>
> Hope this email finds you well. A colleague of mine came across your blog (http://www.env-econ.net/2013/04/dante-lament-im-not-even-supposed-to-be-here-today.html) and forwarded for my attention ...
>
> Indeed as you mentioned it has been more and more difficult to manage a timely peer review process for many editors. We have been trying to develop different tools in EES to help editors and also looking for suggestions from editors. I notice that you are editor for both JEM and MBE [sic] and you have had good experience with MBE [sic], therefore may I ask if there’s anything you think we could have done or done differently for JEM to improve the reviewing process and provide better services to our editors, reviewers and authors? Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
>
> If you have any questions or anything I might be able to help please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Cringe. My reply:
Sorry about the whiny blog post, it helps to blow off Assoc. Editor steam sometimes. I'm not sure if JEM can do much to help find referees. The EES and Scopus are very helpful. I do a much better job when the paper topic fits firmly in the field of environmental economics. When I handle papers that stray from that field it tends to get more difficult to find referees. That is why it is easier to find referees with MRE -- it is a niche field and I am usually able to identify referees who are willing and able very quickly.
Thanks for your email!
I'm such a baby.
