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Four reasons not to use proprietary formats


Proprietary formats can be used locally without risk by any user for his own personal use or by a group of users who have formerly decided to use a specific format and a specific software for cooperating on a given project. On the other hand, sharing files is a social act, whose effects concern not only the user itself, but also the set of all possible users of these files. Sharing files requires converting the original format into a format appropriate for file exchange. Open formats are by definition exchange formats: they insure accessibility, interoperability, and perennity to the data.
When exchanging files in proprietary formats, you contribute to the propagation and enforcement of undesired practices.

1. Taking the risk that the recipient may not be able to access the data
2. Taking the risk of transmitting confidential information
3. Contributing to virus propagation and exposing oneself to the risk of contamination
4. Propping up existing monopolies in the domain of electronic communication

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