[Capri25] Put an End to Word Attachments

[Smith, Craig A (MN14)]

Dutch,

 

As it happens, I did have MS-Word installed on the computer where I read
your message. However, I don't think that's necessarily a safe
assumption for a group as large and diverse as Capri sailors. Here's
what Richard Stallman has to say on the topic and his recommendation on
what to do so everyone can read your communications.

> We can put an end to Word attachments 
> By Richard Stallman
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/no-word-attachments.html 

> You sent the attachment in Microsoft Word format, a secret proprietary
format, so it is hard for me to read. If you send me plain text, HTML,
or PDF, then I will read it. Distributing documents in Word format is
bad for you and for others. You can't be sure what they will look like
if someone views them with a different version of Word; they may not
work at all. 

> Receiving Word attachments is bad for you because they can carry
viruses (see http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/acro.html).
Sending Word attachments is bad for you, because a Word document
normally includes hidden information about the author, enabling those in
the know to pry into the author's activities (maybe yours). Text that
you think you deleted may still be embarrassingly present. See
http://www.microsystems.com/Shares_Well.htm for more info. 

> But above all, sending people Word documents puts pressure on them to
use Microsoft software and helps to deny them any other choice. In
effect, you become a buttress of the Microsoft monopoly. This pressure
is a major obstacle to the broader adoption of free software. Would you
please reconsider the use of Word format for communication with other
people? 

> Converting the file to HTML is simple. Open the document, click on
File, then Save As, and in the Save As Type strip box at the bottom of
the box, choose HTML Document or Web Page. Then choose Save. You can
then attach the new HTML document instead of your Word document. Note
that versions of Word change in inconsistent ways -- if you see slightly
different menu item names, please try them. To convert to plain text is
almost the same -- instead of HTML Document, choose Text Only or Text
Document as the Save As Type. 

 

 

PS

Thanks for all your effort and good luck to everyone in the regatta.

--Craiggae

 

________________________________

From: capri25-bounces at lists.wyc.org
[mailto:capri25-bounces at lists.wyc.org] On Behalf Of Dutch Bull
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 7:48 PM
To: Capri 25 fleet
Subject: [Capri25] Regatta Registration

 

Regatta registration will be on the balcony of the club ( unless it's
raining) tomorrow Thursday afternoon from 4:00 till 5:00 and again from
8:00 till 9:00. You will also be able to register from 7:30 till 9:00 on
Friday morning. I am attaching a copy of the crew sign up sheet with
this notice. To save time you can print it and bring it filled out to
registration. Have a great regatta.

 

Dutch Bull

 

 

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