So, I've been getting some e-mails from readers who are asking about such-and-such a source, wondering if there's anything that can be done to help out. Most times, it's simply a question of timing. I already have the source in the CUSWE's next update, but I'm still working on that update. I generally try to produce 3-4 updates each year, trying to cram in as many sources as I can before sending an update out. That way, I can maximize my time, only updating the downloads 3-4 times a year.

So, now, this has me thinking... what's the best timing for encyclopedia updates? Being an old(ish) timer, I remember that the World Book Encyclopedia only came out once a year. Granted, buying a set of World Books isn't like downloading the CUSWE (nor is production anywhere near the same), but the prevailing wisdom was that things didn't change enough to warrant a new edition every so often.

Maybe that was Western thinking, maybe it was a fact of the times. Anyhoo, nowadays, things change quickly, and the World Book and many other encyclopedias have gone to online subscriptions to provide content that is updated regularly.

(Why am I using words like "anyhoo" and "nowadays"? Am I really getting that old?)

I'd be willing to publish more frequent updates, but it would mean that there won't be a full set of downloads at each cycle. Personally, I'd love to get away with a full set of downloads once a year, but that's not practical for some fans. However, with high-speed internet being used more and more, fans haven't complained about the fact that I'm down to single files (for the most part), and the encyclopedia is never more than a couple of clicks away.

So, weigh in with your thoughts! Would you rather see the CUSWE updates more often, without the ability to download each time? Or, are you satisfied with 3-4 updates a year, as long as you can have the files when the updates are made?

(I know, I know... today's picture has nothing to do with today's blog. Hey, I'm a drummer, and the idea of Grievous on the drums is just too cool!)