[OpenID] A selector for OpenID

[Martin Atkins]

Peter Williams wrote:
>  
> First, this was apparently not a Foundation-led initiative, discussed 
> before launch through WGs and having gone through at least 
> some consensus processes deciding on technical specs. Its was a 
> pre-Foundation-days evangelist-grade activity, apparently, where 
> consensus was established (if  actually any) using non Foundation 
> channels. This suggest the Foundation process is not working well in the 
> US branch, since.. why was this NOT first put through the emerging 
> processes and the associated IPR controls (much like the 
> openid+cardspace stuff is doing)?

In general, the foundation is about publishing specifications, not 
implementations. While it is expected that individuals and organisations 
will comply with the Foundation's IPR policy in contributions to 
published specifications, implementors are under no obligation to go 
through the foundation for their implementations. (However, it is true 
to say that the Foundation has attempted to encourage implementation 
though initiatives such as the bounty program.)

> Second, perhaps the Foundation's immaturity and "unmanaged" approach in 
> determining the priority of issues is itself a bit to blame, since it 
> evidently just can NOT focus on the non-usability of the dominant OpenID 
> experience to date. Various dogmatic positions are oft repeated, and 
> reinforced, like a religious mantra. Perhaps one has to use such shots 
> across the bow, to get attention and put issues on the table.
>  

It is true that the Foundation has thus far been unable to put 
significant resource into usability issues. However, there is clear 
interest in forming a user experience work group as one of the first 
work groups ratified by the foundation once the voting system for 
members is in place. This work is underway as we speak.