these are the same people with archaic browsers and
e-mail clients that can't handle recent advances in technology - even to
the point of using "dumb" devices that can only handle ASCII?
"On the other hand," he said, drawing himself up to his full height
and putting on his 'serious' face, "what real sense is there in
adopting every new technological innovation that comes along,
merely for the sake of appearing to be "on the cutting edge?
ASCII is certainly a lot safer than HTML or binary formats
where embedded malicious code may be quietly nestling.
As I see it, the purpose of IETF documents is communication
among professionals and providing easily and widely accessible
reference materials. Isn't it a bit arrogant and, more importantly,
self-limiting of us to assume that only those folks who have access
to enhanced Web/email capabilities should be included in the
documentation loop?" He paused for effect, and adjust his glasses.
"Offering different formats merely as an option, however, seems
perfectly acceptable to me, so long as the concomitant administrative
overhead is within reason." Time for his big finale, an oblique
reference to popular culture.
"This entire thread reminds me of Yogi Berra's most widely attributed
comment."
He glanced around the room, eager for the crowd's reaction. No reaction
was forthcoming, however.
They were all playing Quake III across their 11MB 802.11 wireless LAN.
Cheers,
RGF
Robert G. Ferrell, CISSP
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Who goeth without humor goeth unarmed.
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