In a message dated 00-11-09 12:39:08 EST, you write:
<< A company such as USG would not be able to lease the ICSD at the $500
academic price. I no longer remember the for-profit price, but it is
significantly more. However, these prices cover the cost of tabulating
the data -- and would likely come down if more people subscribed rather
than pirated the contents.
It is a shame that a company that describes themselves as
"... the world's largest producer of gypsum wallboard, joint compound
and a vast array of related construction products. As North
America's number one building materials manufacturer and distributor,
we are also number one in the North American wallboard and joint
treatment markets and number two in the ceilings market.
"With 249 worldwide locations and more than 14,000 employees, USG is
dedicated to providing innovative building solutions that set new
standards for productivity and efficiency, helping contractors and
architects deliver better quality and innovative designs, and
maintaining
strong ties with our customers while expanding our global distribution
reach."
has to resort to requesting structural data via this mailing list.
Brian Toby >>
I know exactly what motivates the requestor from USG: he infrequently has a
need for a few structural data and is stuck either to call for help on this
(I admit convenient) forum or buy the entire database for I do not know how
many thousands of dollars. Therefore, I come back to suggestions I made
before:
Make it possible to obtain structural data on a 'pay per structure' basis.
ASTM, for example, has such a system in place. For $28 a piece online, you
can download or have faxed to you any ASTM standard desired. Why is this not
possible with ICSD? It would take out all the controversy whenever somebody
wants to know a few structural data. It is somewhat ridiculous, to give
somebody the 'run-a-round' by providing indirect references when the
information wanted is at the fingertips of many (company bashing does not do
any good either; USG is a big taxpayer and certainly contributes that the
people at NIST have heated quarters over the long winter).
L. Keller
CAMET Research, Inc.
