Re: Introducing NetscapeML

> There is indeed copious "market demand" for the simple yet powerful
> extensions. We completed them earlier than we expected and are eager to
> get them into a beta product and try them out. We continue to work on
> implementing CSS and other HTML 3.2 features.

I've heard this comittment to stylesheets coming from Netscape (the one
time, new feature leader) for over a release now. Most of the stylesheet
implementations can already be done in NHTML tags. I'm at a loss to
understand why some sort of mapping kludge couldn't be made in the code to
accomodate stylesheets as a remap to NHTML just to keep up with
Microsoft.

I'm finding it harder and harder to believe that it will take two full
versions of Netscape Navigator to implement this (from the first
vocal committment). At one time I believed that Netscape was the
innovator that could zoom by Mosaic and race out beyond all competition.

If this delay in implementation was due to lack of technical resources,
it looks like Microsoft will be leading the pack here shortly since 
as one magazine put, it Microsoft has cornered the market on talent. 

If on the other hand, this was a strategic delay, it was a bad decision
that will cost Netscape credibility in the long run. With 1.98 browsers
on the average desktop, they don't have an exclusive mindshare anyway.
Netscape has just let the professional's attention wander to something
better. Hopefully the professionals will come back when Netscape 
"catches up". ;^)

Don't stress too far on the latest Netscape sin. This isn't a closed
market. Netscape's lead is a precarious thing that can be ripped away
by bad karma in just a few web generations. They will have their due.
Just as Microsoft will for their long delays in Unix compatibility and
moderate delays in Mac compatibility. The wheel turns.

Mary E. S. Morris 
http://www.sun.com/smi/ssoftpress/books/Morris2/Morris2.html

Received on Monday, 1 July 1996 00:07:28 UTC