As with most things related to Linux and PLUG, no one is forcing anyone to
use anything that they don't want to use. We do allow and even encourage
discussion about the benefits of doing things the Right Way. As a general
rule, the Right Way involves being able to know what the standards are, how
well or badly a product conforms to those standards, and the ability to
improve the product to better conform to standards if you choose to.
Ever seen this open a discussion like this on a proprietary software mailing
list? I think not. Why? Because proprietary software vendors only allow
you to have features that they choose, not you. You can B&M about the lack
of features or the lack of conformance to published standards or about
proprietary data formats all you want, but proprietary software users have
been taught that only the vendor is competent enough to know what you want.
So, user B&Ming is fruitless and they know it.
A key signing party would be superb for those who choose to digitally sign
their email. So would a PLUG key server. That in no way prohibits other
individuals from using email clients that do not have signing capabilities.
It does not force people who could sign their email digitally to do so.
Simply put, it is your choice. That, to me, is the Right Way.
- --
Jim
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