Abstract
Referees are the backbone of quality control. They need more recognition for their work. In an open exchange of opinions among a number of leading editors and experienced reviewers one suggestion has wide support: It should no longer be 'free' to submit a manuscript to a scientific journal. While cash payment for reviews is not considered a good idea, a 'payback in kind' system is favored: i.e., if you want to submit papers to a journal you must be willing to review for that journal.