Andrew,
Your points about the value of competition are well taken.
For other good points (including Birdpro charging $50 annually before long),
see the Carolinabirds list:
http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CARO.html
However, you did not address my main objection - which concerns data quality
and (to a lesser degree) interoperability.
Data quality:
Instead of having: Ned Brinkleys for VA, Harry LeGrands for NC, or folks like
Will Post or yours truly for SC reviewing 'interesting' records flagged by
well-tuned 'filters', Birdpro seems to have an overly automated "checklists in
a hopper" system that is bound to let through too much 'chaff' with the 'wheat'.
Since you're at William and Mary, ask the folks at the Center for Conservation
Biology how they think the quality of the data will compare between the two.
Or the number of publications using the data. (ouch)
Data Interoperability:
See: Avian Knowledge Network, and ask your professors.
I prefer to support the efforts of REAL SCIENTISTS and not copycat profiteers.
N8
