MANIFESTO:

THE IVA STANDARD - AN OPEN LETTER TO THE W3C

We, the undersigned, are a group of information architects who have become frustrated with the term "browser." We believe this term to be limiting in its scope, connotation, and implementation, and we offer a new option: "Interactive Viewing Application," also known as "IVA."

Whereas the term "browser" connotes a passive activity (similar to "watching" television or "seeing" a film), we believe IVA to be a more accurate label for the variety of dynamic content-viewing software currently available.

IVA, which includes the term "Interactive," represents a much more specific naming convention. One does not merely "browse" a web page--one interacts with it. The essence of the hypertext paradigm demands a new nomenclature; we believe IVA to be that solution.

We strongly urge all internet professionals to forsake the term "browser" and make the change to the more precise IVA. With the W3C's proactive assistance, we believe this new standard can be achieved for the betterment of the online community.

Signed,
The IVA Coalition

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