HowToStandardize

In the end, standards are measured by their adoption. To drive a standard forward, there needs to be a working implementation that delivers real value, and that implementation needs to be easily accessible to people. Great examples include COLLADA, and the JPEG standard.

Standards that are too comprehensive, and too complex, end up not being very successful in many cases. Thus, it's likely better to standardize small pieces that can easily be implemented as soon as possible, and then move on to other bite sized chunks in the future.

To work out early standards, I would recommend a lightweight organization without too much administration. Sure, we can charge $30,000 per member, and employ a full time secretary, but I honestly don't think that's either necessary nor fruitful at this early stage. Instead, I suggest a body where people who are interested, contribute, and vote, and anyone who votes also need to commit to implement the voted standard (that should keep implementation demands reasonable :-)