Jim Gottlieb wrote:
....
> I operate a company with offices in several countries and it is things
> like the different sizes of paper used in different countries that
> drives me crazy (though I admit our printer here in the U.S. has a tray
> dedicated to JIS B5, which is hardly a world standard).
Now, there's an excellent common-sense reason to support the use of A4
paper in the U.S.
But, again, our paper sizes are a result of a Darwinian process.
Another common size used to be 8 inches by 10-1/2 inches, but it "died
out". Rulings on paper have gone through much the same process. "College
ruled" paper does not seem as commonly found as it once was -- even here
at a college! Or what about 2-hole bindings, that eventually led to
5-hole "universal" paper, capable of fitting 2-hole or 3-hole binders?
That's the American way -- where safe, let the consumer speak.
And there is absolutely nothing that would stop an international
company operating in the U.S. from doing everything on A4 paper. Only
the odd tax form or whatever may specify a different size.
The point that Adrian seems to miss is that I am saying the USMA is not
here to push for A4 paper. But, neither is it opposed to A4 paper. I'm
not an officer of USMA, but I don't think this is a very big issue with
the USMA board. Let the consumers decide but, please, label it in metric
units.
Hopefully, my USMA:19680 answered Adrian's USMA:19677. Now, how are we
going to turn NCTM around? How are we going to get all states to allow
metric-only labeling? How are we going to make sure that the coming FPLA
amendment is welcomed and passed when presented to Congress? How are we
going to get journalists and editors (e.g., at National Geographic and
Smithsonian, to mention two "educational" magazines) to use metric
units?
Jim
--
Metric Methods(SM) "Don't be late to metricate!"
James R. Frysinger, CAMS http://www.metricmethods.com/
10 Captiva Row e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Charleston, SC 29407 phone/FAX: 843.225.6789
