Re: [tdf-discuss] Do not support writing to OOXML format

On Thu, Dec 30, 2010 at 12:14 PM, Steven Shelton
<steven@sheltonlegal.net> wrote:
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> On 12/30/2010 12:27 PM, Larry Gusaas wrote:
> > I will not support or use LibreOffice
> > until it stops helping spread OOXML by enabling writing in this
> > file format. There is absolutely no need to write in this
> > proprietary format. To do so is contrary to the principle of using
> > ODF and open source formats.
>
> On the other hand . . . isn't that doing exactly what MS does? Do two
> wrongs make a right?

No that is not what MS does. MS reads & writes in proprietary formats.
They do not support open source formats. LibO should read any format
and have the ability to write in proprietary formats. It should not
write in proprietary formats masquerading as open formats. LibO should
not go along with MS' chicanery. LibO is not engaging in deceptive
practices.

I thought the idea behind this particular office
> suite was to make any file accessible to the extent possible. That's
> why I use it. Regardless of what LibO does, MS is going to continue to
> use OOXML, and if the open source suites don't support it, then they
> are shooting themselves in the foot and essentially doing MS's bidding
> by ensuring that people who want to exchange files in that format have
> to buy MS products.
>
> - --
> Steven Shelton

Any file format would still be accessible to read. If someone sends
you a docx file, you will be able to open it. You can send a .doc (no
x; no OOXML) file back to to them; they will be able to read it with
their MS application. By sending a .docx file, the only thing
accomplished is that MS has weakened open source.

People can still exchange files in MS formats. The other user will
still be able to use their MS applications. Not allowing docx _write_
ensures that MS nefarious scheme has been weakened. Other than that,
no effect.

If the LibO community doesn't take a stand on this issue, who else
will? Simply put, MS is doing false advertising. Do you think that the
FTC is gonna do anything about it? Not a prayer. MS has their cover
with the Standards Committee decision. And how likely is it that some
U.S. CongressCritter would allow the FTC to take action anyway?

Carl Symons

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