Comments on the proposal

Ladies and Gentlemen:


	after reviewing the proposal and the manner in which it is being presented, 
I urge caution at what you are attempting to implement. 
	The most obvious ramifications that this proposal entails is to "lock out" 
the use of Free Software and Open Standards in the continued integration and 
development of the WWW and the Internet.  The individuals in these groups, 
working in these disciplines, currently number in the millions worldwide and 
are responsible for furthering the technology and/or standards of the 
Internet as well as technology of the firms that many of you represent.
	This proposal seems to reek of anti-competitive practices being brought to 
the forefront by integrating licensing fees for a free service thereby 
causing financial hardship and the possibility of legal retribution to a 
large group of individuals, both public and private, who may, unknowingly 
violate those patents and/or licenses.
	In the interest of the public good and the reputations of all persons and 
the companies they represent in this consortium, I urge that any and all 
patented and/or patentable technologies, be provided free of charge for the 
duration of the existence of the W3 and the standards it puts in place.  
Through this method, the continued innovation and effort of a large group of 
individuals may further enhance and develop those technologies and the 
Internet as a whole.

	Thank you,

	Paul Pathiakis

Received on Wednesday, 10 October 2001 08:18:51 UTC