[ebxml-dev] Re: Tagline for ebXML contributors

[bhaugen <linkage@interaccess.com>]

I have this urge to applaud JJ's last several 
brilliant messages.  We need more great ebXML
advocacy.

But I hate these contentless me-too postings.  
On the other hand, it's a struggle to figure out what
to add besides me-too or +1.

I think JJ's recent message, now published at 
http://www.ebpml.org/wsci.htm, is the absolute best,
clearest, most passionate and most devastating 
case for ebXML that I have ever read.

I don't even want to try to add anything to that.

And I really agree that I feel a strong cultural bond
with a core group of people I have worked with in ebXML.
It is very different from some other groups I've worked with.

So maybe I can list some of the characteristics
of the ebXML culture that I value.  If I miss anything
important, please help me out:
* spirit of collaboration to get the best results
  regardless of whose idea it was
* free in all senses:
  + free specs
  + free membership
  + free and open discussion of everything
  + vision of international networks of 
     freely-associating economic agents
     using free standard protocols
* not just non-proprietary, but guarding against
  proprietary agendas
  + but supportive of, not opposed to, software vendors
     when they embrace the standards vision
* respectful of prior art, not trying to re-invent 
  everything ourselves
* open to cooperation with other efforts
* modular - each spec can be used independently
  of the others 
  + not forcing people to adopt everything or nothing
* as Jamie says, "trying to do the right thing".

I'm not saying all of those values have always been
operative at every moment - nothing is perfect.
And some weaknesses have shown themselves
in that value system, too, especially in the current
economic climate.

But overall, it's been a good gang.  Worth celebrating.
And I think the work will survive and thrive.

-Bob Haugen
Proud to be an ebXML contributor