Re: A way forward

On Jul 24, 2009, at 6:14 PM, Robert O'Callahan wrote:

> a) works for font formats that aren't extensible with arbitrary  
> metadata --- but we don't care about any such existing formats, and  
> the chances of a new font format becoming popular that isn't  
> extensible are zero

and

> b) works in a uniform way over font formats (or even non-font  
> formats) that are extensible in different ways --- seems to be of  
> minimal value since we don't care about any such formats today, and  
> as far as I know no-one forsees the need for a new non-SFNT format;  
> YAGNI applies


I wish this was true, but it isn't. The OpenType format has very real  
limitations that cannot be fixed. From what I understand, there is  
already work going on to develop a new format for component fonts.  
When a new format comes along, we'll all be back here again debating  
this same thing. I don't think any of us want to do that. :-)


We have two good proposals in ZOT and .webfont, each with their own  
strengths and weaknesses. I think we could address these and come up  
with a very good solution in a working group.

Tal