We review measurements of the total cross section for $e^{+}e^{-} annihilation into hadronic final states at the Beijing Spectrometer/Beijing Electron-Positron Collider (BES/BEPC). We summarize the current status of R, $\sigma (e^{+}e^{-} \rightarrow \mbox{hadrons})/\sigma (e^{+}e^{-} \rightarrow \mu^{+}\mu{-}), and the potential impact of our new measurements. Updated R values at the 6 energy points (2.6, 3.2, 3.4, 3.55, 4.6, 5.0 GeV) measured in the Spring 1998 run are shown. We review progress in the current Winter 1998 run and plans for additional data taking.