Where Is Journalism Headed?

The technology revolution is a bitch! Automation got rid of factory jobs. Fortunately, workers could become fitness instructors for people who did nonfactory work. But now Peloton and iFit have come along and gotten rid of the need for fitness instructors. People could have gone on to jobs in entertainment, catering to all the free time people have in the new economy, but now we have all the entertainment we need on the computer at our fingertips.

Fortunately, people will still need their doctors. With all the free time available to the public for omphaloskepsis, dermatologists especially will be in demand. Unless, of course, people begin relying on their iPhones for dermatologic evaluation and management, possibly supplemented with second opinions from real dermatologists.

As a journal editor, I wonder how long things will continue for print copies. The cost of my local newspaper continues to go up, part of a vicious circle, I’m sure, of people dropping their newspaper subscriptions. I received an e-mail from my local paper offering a 90% discount on their usual rate if I sign up for electronic delivery (they must not be aware I’m already a subscriber to print and digital delivery via another e-mail address). I can get the first 6 months of service for just $1!  I’m not sure how much longer they will be able to keep their doors open.

I am sure journalism will evolve with the changing times.  Fortunately, we’re still here, bringing you the latest innovations. In this issue, Dr Alina Goldenberg reviews 2021’s Allergen of the Year, acetophenone azine (page 39), Dr Craig Leonardi gives his insight into IL-17 and systemic inflammation (page 29), and Dr Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga provides a preview of how clinical trials can offer novel therapeutics to practices (page 47).

All the great innovations—dermatologic or otherwise—have their ups and their downs, but the ups outweigh the downs, and that’s why we keep moving forward.  I hope we can assure that all people have the opportunity to benefit from the changes.