For a more complete discussion of some of the issues raised below, perhaps have a look at the ongoing debate on http://www.nature.com/nature/focus/accessdebate/ Best Declan Butler European correspondent, Nature 7 rue Guy de la Brosse 75005 Paris, France Tel: (33) 1 43 36 59 90 E-mail: d.butler@nature.com or d.butler@nature-france.com Web: http://www.nature.com