Why Letters? 

 

We love a good discussion... 

One of the most stimulating activities in research is scientific debate. When colleagues get together and discuss matters of methodology, inference or clinical application, sparks fly. However, time and opportunity for scientific debate is limited, especially with researchers outside our immediate teams. 

 

But how? 

You might counter and say that we have many ways to communicate. What about Letters to the Editor (LTE). While a classic avenue for discussion, LTEs occur at a snail’s pace and always with the approval of the editor. Not the best way to have an important conversation on a rapidly evolving topic. What about conferences? Well, the magic of hallway conversations evaporates quickly and they seldom benefit more than a few. Panel discussions tend to be on topics set by others and are limited to just a few questions before the session goes overtime. And don’t forget, you need the time and resources to attend in the first place (and wait a few years in the meantime). 

 

Finally, a place for us. 

What we lack is a place where we can discuss topics of our own choosing, to do so in a timely manner, without censorship, and to let the resulting dialogue be available to anyone. But we used to have that. Previously, scientists exchanged handwritten letters with each other. The resulting exchanges created deep relationships that then formed a research community centred on debate, discussion and decorum. Somewhere along the way, we’ve skipped this step. Uncensored.

 

A new take on a traditional concept

This initiative intends to take that step and resurrect, yet modernize, this scientific tradition by creating an international forum, open to researchers, where different points of view can be shared openly and responded to, in a scholarly way. No pressure. No censorship. Just the opportunity to engage in topics that are relevant to our community.

 

How it works

Each quarter, Letters of the Chiropractic Academy will post a discussion topic which will always, always, always, originate from inside our own community. Then, unlike any other forum, we will publish submissions from all eligible contributors. Long overdue, the result will be a mosaic of opinions, perspectives and viewpoints. Because that is what a research community does. Create a place where its people have a voice. Not only a home, but an academy.

 

Here we go!

We hope you like the sound of this. We are sure you’ll think it is fun, stimulating and a pleasure to take part in. Welcome to Letters of the Chiropractic Academy.