Two Microsoft employees wearing false beards knock on ISO:s door. ISO opens.
– Hi, we're from Micros… um, Ecma International, and we have a horse we'd like to be in the race.
– Race? There's no race. We have a fast track, is that what you mean?
– Right, the fast track. That's it. Here's the horse. A beauty, isn't she? 6,000 pounds of muscle.
They point to a stinking pile on the ground behind them.
– That's not a horse. It's leftover animal parts in a big sack with some horse-like bits stuck on.
– No, it's a horse, honestly. She's ready to take on any opponent, just get her into the race.
– I told you, there's no race, just a fast track.
– Right, right, that's what we meant. She's ready for the fast track. Now, please.
The Microsoft employees look at their watches, as if there was some kind of hurry.
– Are you sure? I don't think that rotting pile of meat would move even if you set fire to it.
– Sure it would. Look, that… leg… bit just moved!
One of them kicks the sack, and it wobbles a little. ISO frowns and starts to close the door.
– No, sorry, but we can't put just anything on our fast track. We have standards, you know. Bye!
– But wait, we can pay for it. We have the money ready and everything.
ISO stops closing the door and looks puzzled.
– Money? There's no fee to put a horse on the fast track.
– No fee? But we brought a billion dollars. Are you sure you don't want any of it?
– A horse, you say? Well, why don't you come in? Fine animal, indeed!
A heap of dung by any other name still smells
Summary:
"What's in a name? That which we call a dung-heap,
by any other name would smell as vile."
The ISO fast track procedure for OOXML is good material for comedy. Here's one little dialog you can perform with some friends.
