[Adam]

Guys - I thought this forum was for research and not for arguing the finer points of publishing. The world is not how it should be. I agree. Can I change it? No. I have heard it mentioned elsewhere that information not shared is lost and to that end Jukka is right; it is a shame that books are not translated into a variety of languages. However, that is not to say that this is practical. However shameful of the wider 'educated' world that may be.

All arguments like this do is create divisions between what is supposed to be a community of friends and peers working with a common, loosely defined goal. I live in a bush community in Australia and work with limited funds and resources and certainly without the aid of a social group with whom I can discuss my work with. And no, I don't speak German. I work word to word via a German/English dictionary. Not ideal, but what other choice is there? I can't get to the major European archives or museums, I don't even have a good, reliable bookstore nearby. For either of these entails several hours by car to either Sydney or Canberra (which happens to be in a different state to where I live for the non-Australians reading this). The closest I can get to a group of people with whom I can discuss my interest are right here on this board. As intimidating as being made to look a fool with my limited knowledge is (Luftwaffe research is only new for me) I perserve regardless. Perhaps I don't participate as much as I want to or ask the questions I truly do sometimes want to because of that, but as Erik said, this is our passion and we do it not for fiscal reward. True passions - especially those of an academic nature - are almost never financially rewarding or worthwhile, much is the pity. As researchers, this is our cross to bear. It does no good for the board or its members to have a thread like this. The younger and/or more timid members of the budding research community who may be reading this may well become jaded or put off slightly because of arguments like this.

Seriously, do we need the stress?

It is a poor reflection of the game we play that Jukka has to put forward his thoughts concerning publishing, for he is correct. Knowledge is governed by money. Whether that be the financial whims and necessities of publishers or our own personal funds allowing us access to knowledge (in this case classes in foreign languages). Knowledge should be available to all without the necessity of having to take a circular route to achieve it. Yet as Ruy correctly stated, if it was a passion and the knowledge was that important then a solution, or circular route, would be found.

Nobody is wrong and nobody is right, just everybody has lost focus. We are friends and peers. Researchers. Do we really need a thread as divisive as this?

Adam