4 ms·

So how do you propose a non-profit like the IEEE make money?

• dmitrygr 8y ago
  Collecting $ from member orgs, and not from hobbyists who just want to tinker? How else do you propose to raise the next generation of hackers? By charging them $6000 to simply see a spec they have a minute interest in tinkering with?
  • Cyph0n 8y ago
    Standards bodies usually give hobbyists access to documents if asked, but with strings attached, of course. In other words, they need to somehow prove that you will not be using the spec in a commercial setting. This was my experience with the TCG, for example. As for the IEEE 802 standards, it seems like individuals can get full access to all specification documents that are 6 months and older via the IEEE GET program: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/browse/standards/get-program/page/series?id=68 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/browse/standards/get-program/pag.... That sounds pretty fair, no? In general, standards groups provide access in a similar way to software companies that give out free (or low-cost) access to their tools for open source developers and university students.