# Manifesto: Rules for Standards-Makers by Dave Winer ## Metadata - Author: [[Dave Winer]] - Full Title: Manifesto: Rules for Standards-Makers - Category: #articles - URL: http://scripting.com/2017/05/09/rulesForStandardsmakers.html ## Highlights added November 3, 2023 at 8:47 AM Rule #1: Interop is all that matters The only reason we have open formats and protocols is so our software can interoperate. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01heakfkcak16wyre4tjyf3ntn)) No breakage Version 2 of your format should be backward compatible. This means that a version 1 file is a valid version 2 file. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01heakh1bftc86w85zp1ng5sh7)) Freeze the spec At some point, when the new ideas have slowed to a trickle, and as a base of compatible software develops, freeze the spec, but provide an extension mechanism so new ideas have an outlet. Developers need a foundation to build on, one that is fixed and isn't moving. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01heakh8t7cf734wd55g7d4zm9))