On Mar 8, 2008, at 12:16 PM, Steve Summit wrote:
I wrote:
The creation of the CAS database was obviously a huge undertaking...
According to [[CAS registry number]], "Around 50,000 new numbers are added each week."
And apparently the CAS database is staffed with PhDs these days, so it's not a trivial undertaking. There are reasons for the cost of access.
This may be a case of "don't shit where you eat." We are, for the most part, on the same side as ACS - we're all non-profit organizations seeking to increase knowledge. We don't necessarily have a lot to gain by using the CAS numbers and, in doing so, jeopardizing the development of the CAS system.
If, in fact, we would. But it's a non-trivial consideration, and a large part of why David's instinct that the nuclear option may not be ideal is probably wise.
-Phil