British Library newspaper digitization

[SarahND]

Hi all,
Just saw this link in the NEHGS newsletter: http://www.bl.uk/news/2010/pressrelease20100519.html

40 million pages in the next 10 years... but how much will it cost to look at them? Still, it's good news.

All the best,
Sarah

[Currie]

I think that is the vital question Sarah, because what we’re seeing here is the usual big public announcement, with the song and dance and the razzmatazz, designed to get the most publicity, but with nothing about the things that really matter to genealogists, content, cost and availability.

Will it have an excellent search and result system and give lots of images and good value for money like the 19C Newspapers pay site, will it be accessible to people via library subscriptions and educational institutions, or will it be locked away in the one site and the users squeezed and wrung out for maximum profit.

Why made free at the British Library and not made free at all libraries. Why do the people who live and work near, or can travel to, the BL get the freebie but people who live in remoter parts of the UK cannot get access unless they start throwing cash at BrightSolid. What makes the BL so special compared to regional libraries and why haven’t they looked at what National Libraries are doing elsewhere.

Time will tell, but I suspect that when the genealogy craze is over, and the profits stop rolling in, the whole kit and caboodle will be sold off to the highest bidder, wherever.

On a slightly related topic, I remember reading somewhere on the forum about FindMyPast requiring your exact address and telephone number when paying for their services by credit or debit card. In my long history of credit card use this information had never once been required of me unless there was something to be posted.

For an address, something like “Why do you want to, Know”, Tell me yours, First” or “None of your, Business” laid out like an address, seems to work as well as anything. The telephone number you can make up yourself.

All the best,
Alan

[Russell]

Love the solution to the prying, needless questions Alan

Russell

PS I know you are not fond of Smilies Alan but they expressed my feelings better than words.

[Alan SHARP]

Sounds a bit like an irate mate, who filled in a name box with, I. P. DAILY.

Afraid I'm too slow on the uptake to think like that.

Alan SHARP.

[Currie]

Hello Russell,

I don’t use Smilies because: (multiple-choice answer)

1. They keep rolling off my desktop.
2. My Smilie Blocker trashes them.
3. I like to live dangerously.
4. What’s in it for me and for them?
5. My Mother used Smilies and look what happened.
6. I don’t like canned laughter either.
7. I prefer the chocolaty taste of M&M’s.
8. I’d rather make my own.
9. It’s against the laws of nature.
10. I can’t find one that looks like me.
(Nobody else seems to have this problem)

All the best,
Alan

[LesleyB]

There is only one thing to say to your list, Alan

.....

Best wishes
Lesley