"Frontiers will launch two new indices, incorporating usage data, as well as social network data, to allow readers and users of data to shape the impact of articles. The Academic Excellence and Social Relevance Indices will provide the most advanced measure of the impact of an idea, an article and an author on the research community and on society." - Björn Brembs from Bookmarklet

Another quote: "Frontiers (fortunately or unfortunately) is indexed in Thomson ISI and an IF is expected in 2011. Perhaps by then, the impact factor obsession that has become so widespread in the past ten years will have been replaced by a more reliable approach to the analysis of "your impact on human thinking" and we can move beyond "where you publish" to "what you publish"." - Björn Brembs

The piece is strangely formatted, though, which prohibits it being forwarded to those that should read it. - Daniel Mietchen

On a related note: I just had such a discussion via email with a senior colleague whose scientific advice I value highly, but whose views on matters like impact factor I do not share. Excerpt from the conversation: Me: "I honestly wish the time will come when committees would stop counting papers and instead actually read, say, the top two or top five of each candidate. " Reply: " The fact is that impact factor will have more of an influence than raw numbers, for sure. And the other fact is that, though many of us regret it, the publication list will top most other considerations at an early stage of your career. And this tradition will almost certainly remain in force for the next decade, so you might as well accept it." I see that this is the current situation but don't agree I should accept it as carved in stone. - Daniel Mietchen