brainstorming: which formats to use and which to avoid

[Simo Sorce]

Werner Koch wrote:
> 
>  || On 11 Jun 2001 11:50:24 +0200
>  || "Georg C. F. Greve" <greve at gnu.org> wrote:
> 
>  gcfg> Personally I believe the GIF format (for instance) should be put on
>  gcfg> the red side because it is patent-encumbered although everyone knows
> 
...
> 
> Of course I agree with Georg, but many formats need some extra
> description.  A general warning like: Before you start to use a
> format, make sure that the software used to create it, does not add
> proprietary extensions to it.

Maybe a better way would be to have a black list (formats that are really bad in any form. ex: asf)
a red list (format that may have problems if a bad software is used to create them. ex: mp3)
and a green list (formats that are fully documented AND free and are safe to use. ex: ogg)


-- 
Simo Sorce
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Linux IS user friendly, it is just selective about who his friends are.