Sneer Review

To the Editor: The process of reviewing manuscripts for publication places a select few in the powerful position of controlling the fate of most scientific data and, indirectly, the careers of thousands of researchers. However, this process is one of the few areas in science that is not yet standardized or regulated. A process of particular interest to scientists is the manner in which reviewers are selected. A few journals use large, computerized lists, and a handful ask authors for suggestions, but the majority rely on their own editors, some of whom have difficulty keeping up to date and send.