Barry Popik

[James A. Landau]

Since we're on the subject of Barry Popik, I have a question that is actually
germane to the mission of this list:

Mr. Popik has frequently stated (generally in missives to the New York Times
or other publications that he chooses to quote from for this list) that he is
a "contributor to the OED".

This may prove (if anyone doubted) that I am an amateur, but I admit to being
baffled by this phrase.

Is "contributor to the OED" an official title, presumably awarded by Oxford
University Press?  Or is it a folk tradition among the etymological
community, awarded by a consensus of one's peers?  Or is it a title that
anyone can claim?  Does it represent a level or quantity of submissions?  Or
what?

         James A. Landau
         Systems Engineer
         FAA Technical Center (ACT-350/BCI)
         Atlantic City Airport NJ 08405 USA

P.S.  Sorry for the unnecessary dangling preposition in the second paragraph.