[OpenID] The problem(s) with OpenID

[SitG Admin]

At 10:32 AM +0200 5/28/08, Snorri wrote:
>We should write a FAQ question/answer with all these "problems" most of whom
>have already been solved... I mean directly on openid.net/criticism

Seconded . . . I'll also copy from a reply I sent to Johannes Ernst 
last month on "What can your OpenID Foundation do for you?":

3) Figure out the long-term advantages OpenID has, and promote those 
too. For example; single-sign-on is a short-term advantage (over the 
current method) that everyone can get on board with, but 
"decentralized identity management system" lacks the immediate and 
apparent relevancy. Find good creative writers to submit 
proof-of-concept scenarios so the average user can understand and be 
appropriately horrified BEFORE they actually suffer the consequences. 
Have other articles on the same page that describe how OpenID 
mitigates those outcomes.

3a) Even cater to the less valid scenarios, such as those previously 
described by some of OpenID's detractors; "Putting all of your logins 
in one spot gives the government a prime target to go after 
everyone's web-activity history." can be met with "OpenID lets you 
use a different Provider, even one that will not keep any records." - 
for every blogger who not-quite-understands OpenID this way, and 
visibly complains, there will be several more users who have the same 
"understanding" but instead silently dismiss it and move on. These 
detractors have shown us some common impressions of OpenID; actively 
addressing those concerns would further the understanding of 
countless other users, as well.

-Shade