RAND

Please note that I am opposed to issuing standards that include anykind of manditory licensing for fee that might be incorporated into the w3 standards.  As a web developer and instructor, I try to emphasize the standards for web development.  As a developer (both software and web) I have never endorsed or utilized utilities that included royalties, and do belive that including such could raise havoc in the industry.  Vendors that require royalties attempt to control the industry, and has often ended with disaster.  This is the very concept that so many people fight aginst with Microsoft now.  Take a moment and reflect on the companies that have required royalties for their product, such as Ashton Tate with dBase.  

Incorporating standards that require the payment of royalties is an attempt to ensure the success of a company trying to control the industry.  Technology thrives in competitiveness, and stagnates under royalties.

Terry Bailey
President/CEO
Prairie 21, Inc.