From: "Robert Gruhn" <RSGruhn@classic.msn.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 97 17:21:13 UT
Subject: The Great Debate
Message-id: <UPMAIL16.199709221721340463@classic.msn.com>
From the notebook of Eileen G:Joeloilingthewatersgernaut has suggested that fellow cpg'ers check in with their comments on the benefits/disadvantages of a switch to SOWPODS.
This mature, seasoned Scrabble player believes that a switch on the part of North American players to an international English wordsource - and at the moment SOWPODS seems to lead the list of contenders - is long overdue.
The naysayers will undoubtedly scream about the dislocations and disruptions this will cause, and they are probably right. There will be problems; but the benefits of a uniform, enlarged, single and international English wordlist are so patently obvious that this switch from the horse & buggy (OSPD) to motorized transport (SOWPODS) should be made as rapidly as possible. If the new vehicle isn't perfect, let's get it on the road and then work on improving it.
I have never met or played Scrabble w/Mr. Oliger, but can only judge him by his words, which have seemed at times immoderate, intemperate, and injudicious, but apparently stem from a sincere and deeply rigid belief. We are not likely to change such a mind.
EMG