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Re: DRAFT recommendations v1.2

Howard: These comments on the draft recommendations
are welcomed of course... but even more welcome are
suggested rewordings of 1(b) and (c) that would
satisfy your concerns. These will be easier for the
rest of the working group to compare and discuss.
Perhaps the "text and data" issues you raise in your
first paragraph can be covered in the preamble.
Cheers
Syd
------
Professor Sydney R. Hall
School Biomedical & Chemical Sciences
University of Western Australia
Crawley, 6009  AUSTRALIA.
Ph: +61 (8) 6488 2725
Fx: +61 (8) 6488 1118
"Data data everywhere but not a thought to think!" - Theodore Roszak


On 19/07/2005, at 5:55 PM, Howard Flack wrote:

> ITOWGites,
>
>   I'm somewhat unhappy that these draft recommendations convey the 
> impression that the only way forward for IT, and IT online, is by way 
> of an internet-based server dealing with specific enquiries. I am in 
> entire agreement that such services need to be developed. These are 
> particularly appropriate for "data" applications. However a 
> significant part of IT is text and, in my view, IT online must provide 
> enabling technology to distribute this text for reading and study 
> offline on the current and future generations of powerful handhelds 
> and laptops.
>
>   Concerning general recommendation 1(b), it seems to me that the real 
> priority is to prepare data in a distribution-independent manner that 
> serves the distribution formats of current and future use. A format of 
> prime importance is a server tuned to specific enquiries.
>
>   Concerning general recommendation 1(c), this is out-of-court for the 
> working group.  It seems to me that the switch from bulk lithograph 
> printing to digital printing to print-on-demand is an operational and 
> economic one. The unit cost and selling price will increase of course. 
> If customers are prepared to pay, let them spend their money.
>
> H.
>