Belinda is concerned

[Byron Sonne]

> This may be off-topic... whouldn't it be easier just to have flat text
> file, one line per record, comma/tab separated fields, etc, etc. ?

C'mon now, you know that reasonable ideas have no place in government. 
Your idea is clearly too simple and effective to have any place at all.

Furthermore, you are forgetting that your idea would be relatively 
simple to implement and easy to back up.

What possible use could anyone have for a system that used an open 
format, much less a format that that would remain viable well into the 
future? If you kept a printed copy of it around you might be able to use 
it that in an emergency... such as during a blackout or emergency 
relocation. And you would be able to use the data without the need of a 
computer... it's human readable too!

Worst of all is the likelihood that such a system would require but a 
modest investment for hardware. The hardware wouldn't need upgrading for 
years either since the nature of the data is well understood and future 
change potential well within estimable bounds.

Furthermore, compounding you error is reasonable probability that the 
user interface would remain relatively static. Without yearly upgrade 
cycles and other periodic workflow disruptions, staff have the 
opportunity to become effective workers. Quite possibly they would have 
more time to do other things.

Are you insane? You'd be getting more for your money! What's next, 
suggesting that they use good free software, maintain a staff of quality 
workers and insist on integrity, respect and honesty throughout every 
facet of their organization?

Feh.

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