Quote of the day: Mass. is the 'canary in a coal mine'

In coverage about a forum Wednesday on Massachusetts' electronic document standards and its interest in multiple formats, one participant said the state's decision will have far reaching effects.

"This is a hugely important topic and clearly one that is attracting international attention," said John Paltry, professor of law and executive director at Harvard Law School's Berkman Center for Internet and Society. "Massachusetts is the canary in a coal mine. If the Commonwealth gets it right, others will follow. It will be good for economy of the Commonwealth but also good for democracy." Click here for full story.

[samkass]

The Canary Dies

I actually thing sticking to their guns about OpenDocument could
be wonderful for the residents and government of Massachussetts,
but the analogy is unfortunate, since the canary in the coal mine
assists the miners by dying first.