On Mon, 12 Jul 1999, Stevan Harnad wrote:
> I think that is as far as we will get with this one, I'm afraid. We
> agree on the amount. We agree on who pays (the author's institution
> either way). But if it is paid up front I claim that it frees the
> literature for all without loss of quality, whereas you claim that it
> will compromise quality.
> I think this can only be settled empirically.
I agree that this is the fundamental difference, though I would prefer
to say the "authors/readers institution, either way". But, as you say
the question can only be settled empirically. The issue is whether the
(possible) diminution in quality is outweighed by the increased access.
Clearly this depends on the magnitude of the effects and the relative
weight attached to the evalution of them.
------
Hal Varian, Dean voice: 510-642-9980
SIMS, 102 South Hall fax: 510-642-5814
University of California hal_at_sims.berkeley.edu
Berkeley, CA 94720-4600
http://www.sims.berkeley.edu/~hal
Received on Wed Feb 10 1999 - 19:17:43 GMT