- From: Larry G. Hull <Larry.G.Hull@gsfc.nasa.gov>
- Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 12:00:35 -0500
- To: w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
All, Sharon Laskowski from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) speaking at the Government Services Administration (GSA) sponsored "Meeting the 508 Mandate - Today and in the Future" October 16 made an interesting point that seems apt here. Following the presentations Ms. Laskowski was asked why she used the terms "conform" and "conformance" where the other speakers followed common usage and used the terms "comply" and "compliance", as in the phase, "in compliance with Section 508." According to my notes, she replied, "Compliance has no legal definition." I personally hold that standards are by definition objective and can not require subjective judgment else they cease to become standards. (more or less Kynn's view) Without objective measure there is no way to determine compliance. However, guidelines are not (necessarily) standards. I apply the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) explanation of the terms "standards" and "guidelines" that was drilled into me many, many years ago. One is required to follow (conform) to standards whereas guidelines capture best practices and are not mandatory however any departure from a guideline should be carefully weighed. (more or less Charles' view) Peace, Larry (speaking for himself and only only for himself) >Discussion between Charles F. Munat and Kynn Bartlett omitted to >save bandwidth
Received on Thursday, 21 December 2000 12:00:37 UTC