1999-06-06
To Everyone,
All of us around the world use dates.  However, the way we use them,
and the way we abbreviate them, is the cause of some concern.
Below is an outline of the problems and a possible solution.
(In all the examples below   Y=year, M=month, & D=day.)

Problem #1 - Format:
Different countries use different formats to abbreviate dates,
for example some use MM/DD/YY and others use DD/MM/YY.
If I were to read the date 10/11/98 without knowing where it was written,
do I read it as October 11th, or as November 10th ?

Problem #2 - Y2K:
Because of the approach of the year 2000 we are all becoming more
aware of the confusion caused by the example above.  Is the year 1998,
or 2098, or possibly 1898 ?  Fortunately because of the Y2K issue,
we are all becoming more comfortable using 4 digit dates.

Problem #3a & #3b - The Personal Computer:
a:   If you're like me and like to save your letters and other files
with a date as the file name or part of the file name, the PC is not
very cooperative.  The computer will not allow a file name that
contains a "/".  To save a file like "10/11/99 Meeting Notes",
the "/" must be manually removed or replaced by another character.
b:   Most PC's will arrange files alphanumerically.  When either of the 2
formats listed above are used, (MM/DD/YY or DD/MM/YY) the files
will not appear in chronological order.  The files will be grouped by
Month or day, and the years will always be mixed up.

The Solution:
I suggest we use the following format to solve all the above problems,
YYYY-MM-DD.  This should become a new worldwide standard
that provides a 4 digit year, will be accepted by PC's when used as a file
name, and will list in proper chronological order.  It will also be
easily recognized and not confused with old formats, because
it begins with a 4 digit number, and has no "/" between numbers.
("/" has been replaced by "-")

How to make it happen:
Spread the word.  Tell everyone.  Public opinion, and getting the word to
the right people who have the power to set standards is all it takes.

FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW,
IN AS MANY COUNTRIES AS POSSIBLE.
TRANSLATE IF NECESSARY.

Feedback:
Let me know what you think.
Send an E-Mail using the format below to NewDate@excite.com .
If you agree:  Subject=Yes  Message=I Agree
You agree & want to write more:  Subject=Yes+  Message=Your message
You disagree:  Subject=No  Message=Please explain why you disagree

Thanks for taking the time to consider this,  Glen