it was a labor of love by a member of the McGraw-Hill family.
I recall hearing the publisher relate that they experimented with the subscription price, and the result was an interesting window on perceived value.
Of course, we're going back a few years, and some of the gray matter involved then has probably been co-opted for fresher purposes, like trying to make sense of computers, but I think they sent out subscription invitations at three different prices -- any individual only received one -- $35, $45, and $55. The greatest number signed up at $45, so at a lower price it was too cheap -- not enough perceived value, and at $55 it was too expensive.
I couldn't afford it at any price in those days, but I do have a handful of copies.
I think Tom's idea is beautiful . . . a sort of "commons" where people can send their "what sailing means" contributions. It would need some editing and organizing, but if it could take the form of a virtual library/gallery . . . .