Cassandra Harley wrote:

> So it should.
>
> Cassandra,
> -Firm believer in the dictionary reflecting the population, not the other
> way around.
> ...which when I think about it, is very anti-standards...No a good thing in
> all contexts..
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alan McDonald [mailto:alan@...]
> Sent: Tuesday, 11 February 2003 3:11 PM
> To: ib-support@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [ib-support] Metadata
>
>
> no - Concise Oxford (not Australian)
>
> datum (pl ~a) 1. Thing known or granted... from which inference may be
> drawn.
> 2. (in pl., also treated as sing.) Facts or information .....
>
> But I'm afraid popular use always finally wins over any written
> dictionary...

here is what my old (1989) Collins says:

Usage: Although now generally used as a singular noun, data is properly
a plural.

Frank

--
"Fascinating creatures, phoenixes, they can carry immensely heavy loads,
their tears have healing powers and they make highly faithful pets."
- J.K. Rowling