Abstract
In 1989 Jan-Peter Frahm, with the assistance of Rob Gradstein, published the first issue of Tropical Bryology. It was a pioneering effort because it was billed as “a computer-assisted journal” and authors were required to submit their manuscripts in electronic format. However, this was not even the start of Jan-Peter’s publishing career. In 1987 he began the all-electronic Archive for Bryology. The year after starting Tropical Bryology (1990), he began publishing his next all-electronic venture, Bryologische Rundbriefe, which he continued until 2005. In 1993 he began the monographic Limprichtia, also requiring electronic submission. Both Tropical Bryology and Limprichtia were (and are) available as electronic and hardcopy versions, becoming the first such bryological electronic journals, and very early botanical examples. Another forward-thinking aspect of Tropical Bryology was that it was available at reduced prices to those living in tropical areas, thereby allowing tropical bryologists more ready access to literature dealing directly with their bryofloras. Not surprisingly, after 18 years, Jan-Peter is now ready to take on a diminished role in the publication of Tropical Bryology.