RE: ArXiv Grows Up, Adopts Subscription-like Model

[Simeon Warner <simeon.warner@cornell.edu>]

"subscription-like" was intended to convey the idea that the 
mechanics of this support model will work in a similar way to a 
subscription and thus that support will be easy for libraries to 
handle as part of their normal operations. We received some early 
feedback about needing to make the process easy. The "like" part 
was intended to indicate that it isn't actually a subscription.

I see that "subscription" is perhaps too much of a hot button 
word and so we should probably replace the phrase.

On a positive note I'm delighted to report that we have had 
several new pledges of support in few days since the announcement 
[1].

Cheers,
Simeon

[1] http://communications.library.cornell.edu/news/arxiv ,
http://arxiv.org/help/support

David Prosser wrote:

> How can a model that, in Philip's words, 'does not really fit 
> the definition of "subscription," since access will not be 
> turned off for any institution that does not pay the fee, nor 
> will it prevent individuals from uploading documents' be 
> described as 'subscription-like'?
>
> And it is interesting context that Phillip apparently believes 
> that subscription models are inherently 'grown up'.
>
> David
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Philip Davis
> Sent: 22 January 2010 00:53
> Subject: ArXiv Grows Up, Adopts Subscription-like Model
>
> ArXiv Grows Up, Adopts Subscription-like Model The celebrated
> e-print service will now rely on annual library donations, while
> its long-term business plan is still in the works.