patented technologies in W3C standards

Dear Patent Policy Working Group:

     As a software developer who works with W3C standards on a daily basis,
I urge you not to loosen the W3C policies regarding consideration of
patented technologies. Open standards must remain just that - open to
_all_, regardless of ability to pay.

     The "reasonable and non-discriminatory" concept is a red herring. As
we strive to extend the benefits of digital communication to the entire
world, it should be clear that in a world where patent laws and financial
resources vary widely, the only "reasonable and non-discriminatory" fee
structure is zero.

     Thank you for your consideration.

Tom Swiss
tms@infamous.net