Look before you jump [the shark]

lwn.net seems to have unlocked a subscription-only feature about GNOME and OOXML.

The OOXML document standard being pushed by Microsoft has caused a certain amount of stress within both the development and commercial sides of the free software community. In some quarters it is seen as the latest attempt by a monopolistic firm to co-opt free software and the move to more free file formats; they would like to limit our involvement to opposition to the adoption of OOXML as a standard. Others see it as an attempt by Microsoft to come to terms with the demand for more open formats and to promote, in its own special way, interoperability.

In response to criticisms about GNOME's role in OOXML, Jeff Waugh has just assured Richard Stallman (whom I spoke to yesterday) that a statement will shortly be made to clarify where GNOME stands on the issue of OOXML.

Re: Statement on OOXML

* From: Jeff Waugh jdub perkypants org * To: foundation-list gnome org * Subject: Re: Statement on OOXML * Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2007 15:58:54 +1100

quote who="Richard Stallman"

> Is someone working on a statement that the GNOME Foundation does not > support acceptance of OOXML as an ISO standard? > > I would be glad to offer confidential suggestions about a draft.

We're working on a statement regarding the controversy last week at the moment. We're nearing the end of that process and have had quite some input into it, so further input is more likely to delay than improve the process.

Thanks for your offer to help,

- Jeff

The response is muchly anticipated. There seem to be a lot of misunderstandings as far as implementation in Gnumeric goes (clarifications here), but the active role GNOME plays in having OOXML approved is the more interesting part. Miguel de Icaza has already made some controversial statements about OOXML -- statements that were later extinguished. In fact, he also defended Microsoft in Europe, so we are finding it harder to confide in him. Can you blame us?

OOXML: when only money talks