Encyclopedia Brittanica, 244 Years Later

Even though I am from a generation that has never appreciated printed encyclopedias, dictionaries, or card catalogs, it saddens me when I hear of companies pulling all sources of printed works and making the digital transition. In the last year, several newspapers (here is a great source if you are interested in this topic) have stopped producing physical papers and now rely solely on web subscriptions. I realize that transition from technology to technology is essential, but to quit producing printed Encyclopedia Britannica sets after 244 years is depressing. With websites such Google and Wikipedia, there is just no need for an encyclopedia set. The sentimental part of me decided that I wanted to purchase one of the last remaining sets before they all sold out.

Lets see....

Britannica.com 

Shop

Books

The Encyclopedia Britannica!

After nearly 250 years, the 32-volume Encyclopaedia Britannica print set will be discontinued. 

Perfect....That is it!

Add to Cart.... WAIT A MINUTE... $1,395.00!?!?

Well no wonder they quit printing them! I can get any information that I want for FREE online. It seems a bit absurd to pay that much for a set of books that will be obsolete within a few years. These books were published in 2010. Egyptian Revolution, an earthquake and tsunami devastate Tokyo, Japan, a royal wedding for Britain's Prince William, and Osama Bin Laden is found and killed. These are just a few examples of events that you won't find in the books that you will be purchasing for $1400. 

It appears that purchasing this encyclopedia set would be a poor investment on my part, and I now understand why Encyclopedia Britannica will no longer attempt to sell hard copies.