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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 23092020 12:20 pm, Levantovsky,
Vladimir wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite="mid:MN2PR06MB5438541608A952DD44DBDFE6FC380@MN2PR06MB5438.namprd06.prod.outlook.com">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">While there are
clearly untenable problems with the AHG, it has, in all its
better moments, functioned as a buffer between individuals who
just want to discuss and collaborate on font technology and the
ISO bureaucracy.<span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">What,
in your opinion, has changed between “this AHG” and “</span>the
AHG in all its better moments<span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">”?</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The fact that is has become dysfunctional to the point that
members are actively proposing to ask SC92 mirrors to discontinue
it, and that the nature of how the group operates and
communicates, and the inability or unwillingness to use better
methods, inhibits the kinds of collaboration that members want.
Finally, I think the tacit agreement to keep OFF and MSOT in synch
is an inevitable point of friction for any ad hoc group, because
that can't be fairly managed in a way that doesn't give Microsoft
an effective veto on innovation — even if that veto is only
exercised in inaction.<br>
</p>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite="mid:MN2PR06MB5438541608A952DD44DBDFE6FC380@MN2PR06MB5438.namprd06.prod.outlook.com">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>OFF
is very likely to be at the end of one or more of those
channels, but I still want a buffer between the collaboration
and the ISO process: just a better one than this AHG.<span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Procedurally,
the AHG is the only available buffer mechanism between outside
collaborators and the ISO process. The only other alternative
is direct WG involvement through National Bodies by all
involved in this AHG.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Correction: the AHG is the only available buffer mechanism
between outside collaborators and the ISO process <i>that is
procedurally constituted and managed by ISO.</i> My point is
that being procedurally constituted and managed by ISO is exactly
the problem: the procedures are both arcane and obsolete, and are
not helpful to collaboration. Ergo, collaboration should happen
elsewhere. How the products of such collaboration feed into OFF
formal drafts and ratification is really moot. This is why I have
not joined others in calling for the AHG to be discontinued: if it
is a useful pathway for proposals to be submitted, rather than
going through national standards bodies, then it serves a purpose.
Some people, as indicated, may prefer to go through national
standards bodies. What the AHG doesn't seem useful for is actively
collaborating on innovation in font technology.<br>
</p>
<p>JH<br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
John Hudson
Tiro Typeworks Ltd <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.tiro.com">www.tiro.com</a>
Salish Sea, BC <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:tiro@tiro.com">tiro@tiro.com</a>
NOTE: In the interests of productivity, I am currently
dealing with email on only two days per week, usually
Monday and Thursday unless this schedule is disrupted
by travel. If you need to contact me urgently, please
use some other method of communication. Thank you.</pre>
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