I have been reading the headlines, and it smells like a scam to me. But, with my limited knowledge of the process, I can not say for sure. I have tried reading some articles on wikipedia, but there are still some things that I don't understand.
Who gets to vote? As I understand it, only the 157 member bodies get to vote. These are call "P" members or participating national bodies, correct? But, I seem to remember reading something about P-members coming out of the woodwork just to support Microsoft on the OOXML standard, and that these P-members are all Microsoft partners. How can this be?
What is the significance of the ECMA? I have read that the ECMA was actually created by Microsoft, for Microsoft, and is composed of Microsoft partners. Why would ISO recognize such a committee, and why don't Microsoft competitors contest the existence of such an obvious self-serving organization? What sort of clout does the ECMA have?
What are the standards for "fast-tracking?" I have read that fast-tracking is used to speed the processing of standards that are essentially uncontested. I have also read that fast-tracking was created by the ECMA specifically to help Microsoft push OOXML through the ISO - and it is not used for anything else.
Is there any clear evidence of Microsoft bribery, or ballot-stuffing, or otherwise breaking the rules, or corrupting the process? For example, I remember reading something about Microsoft bribing some official in Sweden.
I have about an incident where those who might not support the OOXML standard where not allowed to vote because there where not enough chairs, or the room was full, or something. If this did happen, then that is clearly not fair. Can anybody file a complaint? Or does Microsoft control everything?
