well, to be brutally unsympathetic (for the sake of argument), this indicates why it is not a good idea to have databases which are subject to individual's control, because such databases can be taken down at the whim of the controller, such as for political leverage if they are having problems with an institution (i.e bring me back, or I'll take it down!), or at the whim of an institution whose main focus lies elsewhere ... still, Chris, you can always move over to Wikispecies and resume your work right away ...

Stephen

________________________________ From: Chris Thompson <xela...@cox.net> To: Roderic Page <r.p...@bio.gla.ac.uk>; taxacom < TAXA...@MAILMAN.NHM.KU.EDU> Sent: Friday, 17 February 2012 4:05 PM Subject: [Taxacom] Systema Dipterorum = closed down

Whether any one care or not,

the Systema Dipterorum (www.diptera.org) online database to names of flies has been closed down.

This database which has had various names over the years as I have migrated from different jobs but never really has been supported to provide information about fly names is finally being retired as I have been kicked out by Bob Robinson of Smithsonian of my last home after almost a half century of what I thought was a useful and productive association.

However, this has a positive aspect. Clearly the Smithsonian has decided Diptera names and associated information has no value to the public. Whether that is true or not now can be determined. So, if you feel Systema Dipterorum was useful, complain! The key players are Jon Coddington (codd...@si.edu) and Bob Robinson (robi...@si.edu).

Sincerely,

Chris

from home

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