Why are open standards important for end-users?

[David Gerard]

On 29/02/2008, gk at fsfe.org <gk at fsfe.org> wrote:

>  During preparation for the DFD I am currently searching for reasons why open
>  standards are important for end-users. One apparent reason is "choice" and
>  all its implications. However, other pro open standard arguments such
>  as "availability", "no royalty when implementing" and so on won't impress
>  typical end-users.
>  Of course "choice" is clearly a really strong argument, but I am still in
>  search for other ones...


Andy Updegrove has, I think, nailed it here:

http://www.consortiuminfo.org/standardsblog/article.php?story=20080224143425160

Proper standards are increasingly vital to participation in society
and democracy.


- d.