Asmus Freytag <asmusf at ix dot netcom dot com> wrote: >> I think "if this were encoded, I think people might want to use it" >> was explicitly not a reason to encode something. > > I think you are possibly overstating this slightly. > > As often quoted, it's a maxim intended to guard against encoding > characters for which there is no practical need (and which, perhaps, > only the proponent wishes to use as characters, while other users tend > to not use it in text, use graphics, etc.). > > In particular, it seems to apply best in situation where it is the > *only* argument made in favor of encoding something.
That's what I meant. Sorry if this wasn't clear. If there are other justifications for encoding a character, certainly they might override this maxim. I haven't seen any other rationale for encoding inverted-Fu *as a plain-text character*. Andre wrote: "Currently UPSIDE-DOWN FU may well not appear in plain printed text. I envisage that if UPSIDE-DOWN FU were included in Unicode then the situation would change. Not just in printed text but in electronic text. It would serve to add a new and contemporary dimension to an ancient tradition." This is the kind of speculative rationale that I thought would strongly lean the committees toward "no," unless a better rationale is given. The evidence seemed to be that inverted-Fu is used only in a decorative, "image-like" way, not even in traditional printed or handwritten text (which are not dependent on character encoding standards) as a character. "Conceptually, it could be considered that UPSIDE-DOWN FU is more akin to Emoji rather than akin to a display variant of 福. Decoration becomes an integral part of the character. e.g. http://majin.myhome.cx/pot-au-feu/dataroom/informations/fu_dao_le/fu_dao_le.html " Emoji were encoded because they existed in mobile phone text-messaging systems, and people used them as if they were text, and there was a perceived need to interchange messages containing them. If there are any examples of similar usage for inverted-Fu, that might make a difference. "Colour is also an important component of the character. Apple have done a really good job with their Apple Color Emoji font and I am sure would make a good job of a poster style enclosed UPSIDE-DOWN FU." Again, this sounds to me like a strong indication that usage of the character is as an image, not as an element of plain text. A realistic (non-contrived) example of inverted-Fu used in inline text would be helpful here. -- Doug Ewell | Thornton, Colorado, USA | RFC 5645, 4645, UTN #14 www.ewellic.org | www.facebook.com/doug.ewell | @DougEwell
