Chris,

In life there needs to be award events because there should be some ceremony for those who reach certain goals. While acceptance of papers may not be celebrated in the public, perhaps at home they should. One could arrange a paper acceptance party to enjoy one success along the way. A little mile marker of perhaps many to follow.

I, for one truly enjoyed the Awards events at AGU and it was fun to be with the winners and share in their excitement. And I'm sure anyone who has received an award would not like it to be private, but to be shared with their friends and family and have a bit of ceremony as well.

Sir Nicholas Shackleton is an extraordinary person in the world of geosciences and it has been interesting for me personally to understand there are many who go, but few who go the distance.

Petra