On 08/03/2008, Philip Sandifer snowspinner@gmail.com wrote:
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.
Indeed. Talking nicely is always a better start, particularly when you do in fact have a big stick.
- d.