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NIH as publisher

I never thought I would be taking the side of the American Chemical
Society on anything, but this story really stunned me:

http://www.fcw.com/article88988-05-27-05-Web

So now the NIH is becoming a publisher!  It is one thing for the NIH to
stipulate that research it has funded must include a Web-posted article (a
knuckleheaded thing, but it is a funder's prerogative).  But it is another
thing for the NIH to publish material that has nothing to do with NIH
grants.  I don't get it.  Where does it end?  Now we have taxpayer-funded
publishers, why not taxpayer-funded ice cream stores and give Ben &
Jerry's a run for their money.

Chemical Abstracts is arguably the most valuable publishing property in
the world, surpassing even Harry Potter.  I would imagine the ACS will
fight vigorously to protect this asset, as would I, as would just about
anyone.  What a waste of everybody's time.  Oh, NIH, why don't you grow
up?

-- 
Joe Esposito