Why it matters that you can't own an electronic copy of the Oxford English Dictionary

Cory Doctorow  @ Boing Boing  Aug 24, 2013

Extract:
In my latest Guardian column, I talk about the digital versions of the Oxford English Dictionary and the Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary, the two most important lexicographic references to the English language. As a writer, my print copies of the OED and HTOED are to me what an anvil is to a blacksmith; but I was disturbed to learn that the digital editions of these books are only available as monthly rentals, services that come with expansive data-collecting policies and which cannot be owned. It's especially ironic that these books are published by Oxford University, home of the Bodleian, a deposit archive and library founded in the 14th century, a symbol of the importance of enduring ownership of books... continue reading + + Oxford English Dictionary – the future, The Guardian Cory Doctorow 23 August 2013

On the same shelf:

• Reference Process -- Readings  
• Oxford English Dictionary : Toronto Public Library 
• ASAPLive - Virtual Reference Library - Oxford English Dictionary ...
• Definition is not endorsement Baltimore Sun (blog) 24 August 2013
• Why editors are 'literally' changing the dictionary BBC News Aug 18, 2013
• Let pedants roar, Oxford proves itself a friend of tin ears, literally  Brisbane Times-Aug 17, 2013
• http://oxforddictionaries.com 
• Oxford English Dictionary: Home 
• Oxford English Dictionary Revises Definition of Marriage to Reflect  Same-Sex Relationships. Towleroad-Aug 23, 2013
• UBC prof lobbies Oxford English dictionary to be less British Toronto Star-Aug 13, 2013
• Daily Mail Oxford University Press Monitoring Evolution of Marriage Definition

  Lez Get Real-Jul 27, 2013 Extract: "The definition of marriage has already changed in several countries. France changed their before their Parliament enacted same-sex marriage. The French dictionary Larousse changed their definition to a “solemn act between two same-sex or different-sex persons, who decide to establish a union”. The Canada Space Dictionary defines marriage as “the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)”.
  However, given the diversity of marriage throughout the world, wouldn’t it just be simpler to bite the bullet and define it as the union of two or more people for the conveyance of property, raising of children, and/or companionship with other individuals?"