Consumer behavior is now a distinct field of research, pedagogy, and practice that will soon reach a half-century in age, depending on where one marks its origin. Inevitably, the first generation of consumer behavior scholars is passing away. I believe that one of JCR’s important roles should be to celebrate and memorialize for future generations of consumer researchers the significant influences of our pioneers and leaders. The journal has published prior commemorative statements following the deaths of Robert Ferber and Seymour Sudman, for example, but it seems especially timely now to prepare to continue this practice on a more formal and systematic basis. Therefore, in our Reflections and Reviews section I am initiating the publication of concise remembrance essays. The first one appears in this issue, devoted to John Howard and written by Morris Holbrook. Another will appear in the December 2001 issue, in honor of Joseph Newman and composed by Richard Staelin and Dipkankar Chakravarti. John Howard and Joe Newman were two of the true interdisciplinary founders of our field, whose vision and insights will endure for many years. Among the many honors they received during their lives, both were elected as Fellows in the Association for Consumer Research. In future issues of JCR, as the need arises, we will publish additional remembrance essays.

The present issue of JCR also contains an essay by Richard Wilk, which is the second of three essays that serve to launch the new section in the journal called Re-Inquiries. Readers who are unfamiliar with the mission, goals, and procedures for Re-Inquiries should refer back to my editorial in the June 2001 issue, which is also located here on our website.

David Glen Mick
Editor