In this chapter, we examine the use of document and electronic distribution standards. Before we examine several of the ways in which standards can be used, let's step back from the trees and look at the forest again. A single standard cannot possibly satisfy all requirements all the time. To believe that any one standard is a magic bullet is foolish, although technological developments often breed technology bigots. One particular new solution does not automatically negate others.
Most standards have some value under certain circumstances.
A few are extremely valuable under many circumstances. Value, however, often comes with a price tagcomplexity. For any particular project, you may be the only one who understands the particular requirements. You may be the only one aware of the future uses or potential future uses of the documents. The potential for producing multiple products and using the document's raw content in multiple ways is a powerful reason to pay attention to standards.