CompuServe Thread

OED Pricing

10 messages in this thread
#36723From: Gerard GleesonJan 12, 1993 2:07 PM
Jan and others, Someone had the excellent idea of suggesting to the OUP that they accept orders for a limited period through CIS at a lower price to see for themselves the huge market they are currently alienating. (I don't know who came up with the idea as the message has been deleted and I didn't save a copy.) I sent Janet Caldwell (OUP) another fax just now with this suggestion and pointed out that the orders could be accepted tentatively – if they don't receive enough orders then the offer lapses but the still get a list of potential buyers. I'll let you know what the response is (if any). Regards, Gerard.
#36784From: robin lakeJan 13, 1993 12:21 AM
Gerard, I'm ready to buy at any reasonable price. robin
#36793From: Gerard GleesonJan 13, 1993 2:31 AM
Robin, I'll let you know as soon as I receive a reply from the OUP. I'm sure that if they agreed to the idea we could find hundreds of buyers on CompuServe.
#36908From: Tim EnnisJan 14, 1993 8:58 AM
Gerard, Count me in. Regards, Tim
#36924From: Gerard GleesonJan 14, 1993 1:40 PM
Tim, Certainly, but I still haven't got a reply from OUP. Gerard.
#37035From: Gerard GleesonJan 15, 1993 1:35 PM
Tim, Robin, John and others Bad news from the OUP – not unexpectedly. I got a reply today from Janet Caldwell (OUP Electronic Publications) to the sugestion of test marketing the OED at a lower price through CompuServe. I quote – "I am afraid there is no way we would be able to offer the product at a different price to a single group of people. We will however be looking at pricing of the OED and are most grateful to you for taking the trouble to contact us." Regards, Gerard.
#37348From: robin lakeJan 18, 1993 11:21 PM
Gerard, Yes, hardly a surprise. Too bad. I've played with OED-CD, and would really like to have a copy, but not at $895. But at, say, $199 I would buy _three_ copies (one at home, one at work and one for a gift). Something like the OED has the potential to sell like DeLorme's Street Atlas, with sensible pricing. robin
#36970From: John SmallJan 14, 1993 10:20 PM
Good suggestion … I'd be interested at the right price. -jts
#37083From: Martin RosenfeldJan 16, 1993 12:13 AM
It was I who made that suggestion here. I am truly sorry it was rejected. Martin
#37093From: Gerard GleesonJan 16, 1993 8:02 AM
Martin, It was a great idea, too bad the OUP are more enlightened. However someday they may get sense and we may all have access to the riches of the OED (and the OUP become very rich themselves). Regards, Gerard.