Re: [tdf-discuss] Do not support writing to OOXML format

On Fri, Dec 31, 2010 at 7:11 AM, Mark Preston <mark@mpreston.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> If I may inject what I hope is a little sense into this argument:-

Thank you for injecting sense into what had become entirely emotional
and irrational B^)


> A major strength of Open Office is and always was that it could read
> and often write documents in many proprietary formats. That strength
> should remain solidly a feature of Libre Office and for exactly the
> same reasons.
>
> When it comes to the Microsoft formats there is a significant issue
> with writing the formats - specifically, that even Microsoft cannot
> fully adhere to the standards they set. This is a major fault and it
> is one which Microsoft has placed into the marketplace.
>
> It leaves Libre Office with three choices when it comes to these
> formats. It can either:-
>
> 1. Write in the format as used by Microsoft.
> 2. Write in the format as specified in the ISO standard.
> 3. Refuse to write in the new formats at all.
>
> The problem with option 1 is that it is a strictly proprietary form
> which even Microsoft admits does not actually meet the open standard.
> It is therefore open to attacks using patent and other legislation if
> adopted by Libre Office.
>
> The problem with option 2 is that while it is an open standard it does
> not actually fully work with Microsoft Office and is therefore a
> pointless choice until (according to Microsoft) at least 2014.
>
> The problem with option 3 is that Libre Office would be left in the
> situation where its own files would need to be read by the ODF open
> feature in Microsoft Office, thus making Microsoft appear to be the
> ones making efforts to read "incompatible" formats. I would suggest
> that this is the very reason why Microsoft has taken this action with
> these formats.
>
> We are left, in short, with just two realistic choices. Either we
> reverse-engineer the OOXML as actually used and let Microsoft scream
> about it (as they certainly would) or we simply ignore the format for
> written documents and write them in the old "doc" format... while
> telling people clearly on the download website that this is because we
> are prevented from using the Microsoft "open" standard. Given the work
> involved in these choices, I would suggest the only realistic option
> is the latter one.

Sincere thank you for a well-reasoned and clear analysis. Better minds
than mine can decide whether or not it's complete.

The idea of requesting a document in a readable format is also useful.
Thanks to whoever in this monster thread suggested that. For the most
part, I'm exchanging documents with acquaintances (so much for trying
this trick with a recruiter who wants Word). Talking with them about
file formats is simple.

There's another dynamic at play here. Microsoft is facing a situation
where markets with big potential are choosing open source. They have
discounted MS products to near nothing to gain footholds in some of
these markets. BRIC markets (as described by IMF and The Economist)
are seen as up-and-coming. These countries--Brazil, Russia, India,
China--are making or have already made commitments to open source.
This is not good news for Microsoft. These countries represent serious
market potential.

If LibreOffice and other open source projects continue to operate as
welcoming communities with other interests than profits and growth,
then they will prosper. Some underlying principles support open source
software. These principles should inform the way that this issue and
others are resolved. Microsoft is obligated to do whatever it can to
maximize return on investments. LibO and most other true open source
projects also have stakeholders--us--who seek a different kind of
return. I want quality software with a community of users who
cooperate, where I can contribute and appreciate the contributions of
others.

Thanks again, Mark. Your message has the kind of clear thinking that I
appreciate in the open source community.

Carl Symons

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