Folks, I think I have now said all I have to say.

Perhaps it has helped to clear the air, perhaps not. In any case, thanks for listening.

I suppose I shouldn't, but I think I rather resent the use of the word "fat" :)

Hi davespod. Everything you say is very reasonable, and it was indeed only the legalese that stopped me signing up.

Actually I am not frightened by legal documents, but in this case I do have doubts about whether I can lawfully grant the rights required without qualification. We could argue about whether I am right or wrong to have these doubts but this is, so some extent, beside the point and in any case this would not be the right forum.

What really concerns me is that large amounts of perfectly data are likely to be thrown away when they were contributed in good faith and in strict compliance with the rules as they were understood at the time. Surely this is unnecessary and it is almost a case of biting off one's nose to spite one's face. There really should be a way to offer a PD option for people to donate their data on the basis that it can be cleaned up later if necessary.

Sorry for being awkward, but the reaction from other contributors does suggest that I am not alone in this. If it is any comfort, I do not have online banking either, because I read the terms and conditions on the website, and then hit the Cancel button.

Hi FK270673. That is a most interesting and helpful comment.

I think it would be hard to imagine a more telling illustration of the principle: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Even at this late stage, let's hope the negotiations bear fruit. There seems to be no shortage of legal expertise around, so it surely cannot be so difficult to organise a simple release of rights by those that want to go that route.

Hi chriscf, and thank you for your comment. I am sorry you feel offended, but I only said I was unhappy with what has happened. I am not questioning the dedication and sincerity of the people involved.

All I am saying is this: If you want my data, then please just take it, but don't just delete it as some kind of public humiliation.

By the way, what happens to the data of a contributor who has died. Presumeably that gets deleted as well?

Hi JoshD and c2r, and thanks for the comments. When I rejected the CTs I checked the box for "regard my stuff as PD", without being at all clear on whether or not that would have any effect. Is there anything more I should do?

And thanks also to the other commenters. It is appreciated.