In another sign of the changing times, the Internet may soon render the print version of the Oxford English Dictionary obsolete. The publishers of the iconic tome are mulling ending the publication of the printed version due to its low sales in tandem with the increasing popularity of the online counterpart. “At present we are experiencing increasing demand for the online product,” reads a statement from Oxford. “However, a print version will certainly be considered if there is sufficient demand at the time of publication.” The current print edition has sold about 30,000 sets since 1989, while the digital version receives about 2 million hits per month from its subscribers. Don’t be surprised if the next announcement is that all definitions have to be 140 characters or less.
