I have been active in SIGCHI since 1983, serving on the Executive Committee and many conference and program committees. After editing ACM TOCHI for six years, I explored the history of CHI and related fields. The "conference-centered" model unique to U.S. computer science, wherein little published research reaches journals, and uncertainty regarding HCI's academic niche have created an unusual situation. I propose some paths forward. Categories and Subject Descriptors H5.m. Information interfaces and presentation (e.g., HCI): Miscellaneous. Keywords conference, journal, research, practice, design, development