[okfn-discuss] [BlueObelisk-discuss] [Blueobelisk-discuss] What is an Open Standard?

[Peter Murray-Rust]

There are several MAJOR issues in this discussion and I'm copying this into
the OKFN discussion list as I think we will get extremely valuable input
from there. I'd suggest that we continue on the BO list which means that
OKFN members may need to subscribe (please don't cross-post)

The BO list has started a discussion on what is meant by "Open Standards"
which is part of the BO mantra ("Open data", Open Source, Open Data"). There
is also a concern about what is meant by "Community" as in Community Norms.

It is a matter of record that there has been intense discussion for many
years about Open Data and Open Source and although the latter has a fairly
clear agreement, open Data is still far from being formalised or indeed
recognised. It's also true that in all these endeavours most of the activity
and discussion is initially in a very small sector of the "community". So
insofar as the BO is trying to create Open approaches and define what's
meant it is the early initiator of these discussions.

I would also add that it is more important to arrive at a "rough consensus"
than a formal definition (especially through legal documents).

I have had a say, and I'd hope that other BO and OKF people will contribute.

[There are specific aspects of Andrew's post that I shall refer to under a
different heading.]

-- 
Peter Murray-Rust
Reader in Molecular Informatics
Unilever Centre, Dep. Of Chemistry
University of Cambridge
CB2 1EW, UK
+44-1223-763069
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