If the status date changes while the status remains with the editor, it typically means that the editor is still working on the document or project and has not yet completed their revisions or changes. The status date may change for various reasons, such as if the editor is taking longer than anticipated to complete their revisions, or if they have encountered unexpected issues that need to be addressed.
It could also indicate that the editor is still in the process of reviewing or making changes to the document, and that the status date is being updated to reflect the most recent point in time when work on the document was done. The status date being updated can also indicate that the editor is communicating the progress of the task with the person who requested the changes.
However, it's worth mentioning that the interpretation of what the status means could vary depending on the context of the situation, and it could also be different within different organizations or teams, so it's best to verify with the editor or the person responsible for the status updates, to clarify the meaning of the status and the reasons why it was not finished yet.
In the context of a submission or process, such as a manuscript submission to a journal or an application for a program, the "status date" refers to the date when a change in the status of the submission or process occurred. The "status" typically represents the stage or phase that the submission or process is currently in.
If the status date changes while the status remains as "editor," it suggests that there has been some form of activity or update related to the submission, even though it hasn't progressed beyond the "editor" stage. This could indicate various possibilities:
Editorial Review: The manuscript or submission is being reviewed by the editor(s) for suitability, compliance, or other initial checks. A change in the status date might indicate that the editor has reviewed the submission, provided comments, or taken some action related to the initial review.
Waiting for Decision: The submission might be under consideration by the editor(s), who are discussing its suitability for the next steps. The status date could change if there is any activity related to these discussions, such as updates or conversations among the editorial team.
Communication: Editors might have sent correspondence to the submitter, and this could trigger a change in the status date even if the overall status remains the same. This could include requests for revisions, clarifications, or additional information.
Administrative Updates: Sometimes, changes in status date occur due to administrative updates, such as entering data into a system, updating the submission's metadata, or making notes for internal tracking.
Technical Glitches: In some cases, a change in the status date might be due to technical glitches or errors in the system used for tracking submissions.
It's important to note that the precise meaning of status changes and their associated dates can vary depending on the system or process being used.
If you're unsure about what a specific status change signifies, it's a good idea to consult the guidelines or support resources provided by the organization or platform handling the submission. If there are any concerns or questions about the status change, reaching out to the relevant contact (such as a journal's editorial office) can provide clarification.