When does a standard or specification lose its meaning?

This is a question that I have been thinking about for a long time with S1000D. Look at the most important specficiations or standards we have today; xml, xslt, html.....80211...

Look how many versions these standards have. You see my point? The fact is the velocity of change for S1000D is hurting its viability. The cost to create, maintain and train staff of each new version is becoming a large problem to many in the industry.

The tug of war between industry, Defense Departments and now users has begun. I think it might be time to slow the train down. Everyone cannot catch-up, and it appears that a new version has become expected like the vendage of wines. It's October, there must be a new version.

The great standards don't change so often. If its a windmill that is in constant movement, many may just decide to look for another standard that is not in constant flux.

Let's hope S1000D does not continue to shift and shimmy like the wind.