#OED
6 messages in this thread
To all with concern re. the O.E.D. I recall an UNdocumented rumor at least
15 yrs. ago that the "committee" (or whoever) who oversees the continuing
revision quietly changed over from standard cold-type-on paper to whatever
form of digital data input was available at the time, anticipating easy
translation to preferred newer technology as the opportunity arose. If
this is even approximatley true, this will mean that whatever is released
on CD-ROM, it will NOT be a simple re-issue of the last hard-copy revision,
but a truly revised edition.
I can't prove it, but I believe it!
Yes, they are definitely now in the "digital domain." OUP moved all of their
files from paper to computer a few years ago (not sure it was as long as 15
years back, but I believe the transition has been complete for some years
already).
That is really what we have been getting at in this discussion: now the
information is in digital form, and presumably being used to master the
CD-ROM, OUP's manufacturing costs should drop steeply and a considerably
lower "list" price for the ROM should be possible. And yes, the next release
should be "truly new."
Regds Ric
Hey, that's great — your info essentially matches my info. That must make
us both "experts"! 🙂
Richard. I called OUP in NY. The OED update will be released 25 June and
the cost from OUP is $895 + $10 shipping. ISBN # 8612065. Their address is
200 Madison Ave NY, NY 10016 direct to electronic publishing. –Bill
Bill – aaaargh! Quandary time. I *want* the OED (new version) on disk.
Problem is, can I justify $905 for the pleasure? Can I convince my wife I am
actually saving nearly two grand versus the paper edition, to say nothing of
not needing new bookshelf space? All for the intellectual pleasure of delving
into the history and evolution of a language I love? And the torment of being
pretty darned sure OUP is over-charging for the product … sigh. I have just
over a month to decide …
Thanks for the info. I have to be in Buffalo and Stamford at the end of the
month … maybe a little side-trip to the city I like least, to tell them
what I think of their pricing …
Regds Ric
Agree. Maybe they would sell by the letter. I could probably do without Z.
By the way, copies of the previous editions on paper with updates can be
had for $500-$600 at second hand NY stores. –Bill