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Discussion on: Should Dictionaries Be Free/Open?

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nombrekeff profile image
Keff

Yup I agree, I didn't mean free as in free of charge, I said free as in open for everyone to have access to it. I understand that it takes a load of work and resources to maintain a dictionary.

They should be rewarded, but we all have the right to the language specification.

Imagine if we needed to pay to be able to read React's docs... that would not be acceptable. I understand it's not the same, but it gives some perspective.

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brandinchiu profile image
Brandin Chiu

They're pretty different.

All of the information available in those dictionaries can be found and compiled elsewhere on the Internet for absolutely free. You can find them in the library, or your local educational institution.

What you're asking for is a free, downloadable, parseable, solution.

Well, someone had to do all of this work that you rightly don't want to have to do. That costs money and doesn't really have anything to do with the content being free.

There are dozens of free television programming sponsored by the government that is available to everyone. That doesn't mean you're also entitled to a free television to watch it. You have to build one yourself or buy one from someone else.

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nombrekeff profile image
Keff

I get your point, you're right. I could always compile the whole dictionary myself 😅

There are dozens of free television programming sponsored by the government that is available to everyone. That doesn't mean you're also entitled to a free television to watch it. You have to build one yourself or buy one from someone else.

I guess it's like the right to electricity or water, you have the right to it but not to the medium or tools to use it. So if you want to have water in your house, you have to pay for the installation and all the equipment needed to get it to your home and monthly fees for maintenance. The same goes for electricity...