Re: [Evolution] Outlook does not like .asc signature

[Jeffrey Stedfast <fejj ximian com>]

On Sat, 2002-12-14 at 22:47, Ian Scott wrote:
> On Sat, 2002-12-14 at 17:40, Jeffrey Stedfast wrote:
> > On Sat, 2002-12-14 at 14:54, Ed Weinberg wrote:
> > > > I've ceased sending signed messages to mailing lists because of all the
> > > > complaints from Outlook users... it always amazes me that so many
> > > > otherwise highly intelligent people insist on using broken tools :(
> > >
> > > Unfortunatley when one mail program is used by so many people, bugs
> > > become features.  This week, we can't fight this.  That means that we
> > > either need to use tools that that can inter-operate with those bugs or
> > > not participate on the Internet.
> >
> > I have to disagree. It is still far better to conform to the standards.
>
> With all due respect, 'Standards' is a tricky notion.  You can have a
> standard, but if there is even a large _Minority_ who don't use it, then
> the 'standard' means little.  Reality is such that standards are set by
> what is usable.  If it ain't usable, 'standards' don't mean a whole lot.

When I say standard, I mean IETF standard.

The goal of this project is to be IETF standards compliant. If you want
something else, then you'll need to start your own project and/or join
another project that aims for whatever it is you want.

> I love Evolution.  But unfortunately, when it comes to signatures and
> encryption, it's very unusable with most of the people I communicate
> with.  As much as I'd love to convince those people to switch to Linux,
> and even use Evolution, it's not going to happen any time soon.  

There are several other ways around this (none of which involve them
switching to Linux):

1. use gpg on the console and copy/paste to/from evolution
2. convince them to enable the PGP/MIME support in their NAi PGP plugin
(I hear that the NAi PGP 7 plugins support this - and would presume that
the PGP 8 plugins do too).
3. convince them to use Mozilla Mail and/or Eudora Pro which support
PGP/MIME (or some other client)
4. implement inline pgp for Evolution and send us a patch that meets all
requirements (refer to http://bugzilla.ximian.com bugs #17540 and
#17541) - or just implement a patch that doesn't meet the requirements
and use it for your own needs (or put it up on your website for other
people to download and use) but don't bother sending us a patch.
5. give up on signing stuff and accept the fact that interoperability
will just Never Happen (tm)

> In the real world, usability is also a standard.  My income depends on
> being able to communicate with others via email.  As much as I'd love to
> be a rebel and argue with folks about whether they are using software
> that meets 'standards', it would be foolhardy of me to do that.  I'd
> lose customers and clients that will end up going to someone who uses
> software that is easier for them to deal with on their end.  And in the
> end, this is the 'standard' that will become most important, whether we
> like it or not.  

so don't argue it, and just accept the fact that they don't interoperate
and get on with your life by doing #1, #4 or #5 (your choice).

Jeff

-- 
Jeffrey Stedfast
Evolution Hacker - Ximian, Inc.
fejj ximian com  - www.ximian.com