Observations

I employed two techniques for surveying preferred preprint formats. First, I examined 85 preprints I received in the last two years, to determine what the average preprint already looked like. Since most astronomers have had access to a variety of word processors for many years, and thus have had the opportunity to select a format which suits their needs and tastes, it seemed this was a good indication of what most astronomers would prefer in a preprint format. This sample mostly (but not exclusively) contained preprints submitted to refereed journals, since preprints of papers intended for conference proceedings were often in camera-ready format, reflecting not the tastes of the authors but of the publishers of the conference proceedings. Second, I prepared several examples of possible preprint formats, using variations on the AAS/WGAS Latex Macros, and showed the output to various persons in my department to solicit opinions.