Why standards?

For me the use of web standards is about two things, each of which are very broad topics.

Communication

The Web is about communication first, foremost and only.

If I can find a way to broaden access and enable new ways to use the information out there, I’ll use it.

Good presentation makes information easier to absorb. With so much of it to read we humans need all the help we can get. Good use of HTML, CSS and DOM scripting provide web designers with this ability.

XML standards describe the most important communication format around, it’s going to become the data exchange format on both desktop and network. The main reason for this is that it can be manipulated by machines, whilst remaining legible to humans. XML, including RSS and Atom, just doesn’t work if you don’t follow the rules. It’s not HTML where the browser will have a wild stab at interpreting any junk it’s given. Write junk and there’s no longer any point in bothering at all!

Longer life

I also want my work to last and remain useful.

By using broadly the same approach and technologies, anyone with the training can understand and manipulate any code. Existing applications can be easily extended and new applications can be integrated smoothly. Because the code is clean and well documented, this process is not only robust, but much cheaper since it takes less time to complete the task.