managing databases

[Mr Fortuner connection modem]

On Mon, 27 Nov 1995, Marcus Kit Petz wrote:
> Why not have a central database
administered, whereby all new
> descriptions must be submitted here in a
"correct" format.

IF electronic publication (of collection data, of
description data, etc.) is needed
AND IF NSF cannot pay for the maintenance
of existing databases
AND IF housing organizations are not willing to pay for
the maintenance of existing databases
AND IF scientists are better employed
doing science than managing databases,
THEN electronic publication should be
managed commercially, in the same way as traditional publishers manage paper
publications.
Right?

Now the question: would you (would your organization)
agree to subscribe to an "electronic journal" that would give you access to
the databases it manages?

Renaud Fortuner

My name is Gene,. . . Gene Pool