These threads and the embedded topics are highly fascinating. 
Unfortunately I think the ratio of smoke to light has passed far beyond 
the useful.  I started some notes for a response, but I don't feel it 
would serve any good.  With some reluctance, I've decided to cease any 
routine engagement in public discussion of cataloguing principles -- 
objectives, rules, changes, catalogue-vs.-seachengine, "bibliographic 
control" and kindred topics (with an exception noted below) -- and 
confine myself to discussion of practical cataloguing.

I do this because, after ten years' engagement in these discussions, 
I've reached the point where I can't bear any longer to go round in the 
same circles, confronting over and over again the same attitudes.  The 
levels of anger and frustration I'm feeling would very likely lead me to 
intemperate statement (which, among other bad effects, would very likely 
alienate friends and acquaintances whom I value), and probably without 
bringing even any slight compensating benefit.  Whether I say what I 
think or not, RDA will (or won't) come about, will (and won't) be 
welcomed with glad cries, and will (or won't) be accepted and 
implemented, and the recording of resources conveying the intellectual 
and artistic creativity of human beings will go on -- to my satisfaction 
or dissatisfaction.  (If you get the impression I'm disillusioned and 
pessimistic, you're not entirely wrong.)

The remainder of my cataloguing career will be spent chiefly in trying 
to do well the same kinds of things I've been doing.  Nothing I've read 
and discussed in the last ten years has made me think that any part of 
good AACR2/ISBD/MARC/LCSH practice is a waste of time, effort and 
resources; so I'll stick to that (and try to get on with deploying the 
NACO training I had last year).  Time and energy are looking 
increasingly precious these days (I'll be 65 on Sunday)!  My cynical 
tinge leads me to think that enterprises like the LC working group will 
probably, at best, bring little more than small mitigation of what LC 
management probably already intends to do by way of reducing and 
simplifying LC cataloguing and, very likely, reducing its contribution 
to and support for the shared cataloguing endeavours that we all depend 
on so heavily.

I shall certainly go on observing the process; friends and acquaintances 
will probably receive comments from time to time (and are free to quote 
me, so long as I'm being polite).  And, the exception I mentioned: I'm 
still eager to see the draft of FRAD, when it finally emerges into the 
light, and plan to comment.  (I'm also committed to commenting on the 
RDA drafts for the ACOC focus group.)  Otherwise, I just hope the 
outcomes will be better than I expect.

Hal Cain, Senior Cataloguer,
Dalton McCaughey Library (formerly Joint Theological Library)
Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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