Mike --

I'm going to move forward to formalize and publicize the ZNG
initiative (though it may be a few weeks before there is
anything visible; too many other deadlines at the moment).
We'll change ZNG to ZING (z39.50-International: Next
Generation) and might even come up with a logo.  ZING will
be an umbrella for several initiatives, initially two: SRW
and ZOOM.  I'll maintain a page of SRW implementors, and
perhaps ZOOM implementors (or point to a ZOOM page).

That brings me to the point of this message: do you have
plans to implement ZING?  Whether you subscribe to the ZING
philosophy or not, it may be worth your while to consider
implementing it.

I'm currently maintaining a private ZNG listserv, which
should more properly be referred to as SRW (but then it's
not easy to change a listserv name). It consists of the
initial ZNG group, plus a couple additional late-comer
implementors.  We agreed among us that we would add people
who agree to implement the initial specs, and then those
people would have the same stake in those specs as the
initial group, meaning that they could participate equally
in the discussions about revising the specs, etc.

However I want to emphasize that there are no plans to
expand the scope of the ZNG list beyond SRW, anytime soon.
if you would like to be subscribed, all you need to do is
say (in good faith) that you plan to implement SRW.  Let me
know.

--Ray

--
Ray Denenberg
Library of Congress
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202-707-5795