Re: [POLL] Proposed syntax for timestamps with time zone info (was: [FEATURE REQUEST] Timezone support in org-mode datestamps and org-agenda)

[Max Nikulin]

On 10/02/2023 10:29, Jean Louis wrote:
> https://icalendar.org/iCalendar-RFC-5545/3-3-5-date-time.html
>
> ,----
> | The form of date and time with UTC offset MUST NOT be used. For
> | example, the following is not valid for a DATE-TIME value:
> |
> |  19980119T230000-0800       ;Invalid time format
> `----
>
> As with the above format, author would maybe think it is alright, but
> in general it is confusing. If author wish to specify UTC time, then
> no offset shall be used.

RFC-5545 specifies a machine readable format. Org files are for humans 
even in raw text format. Decisions suitable for iCalendar are not always 
applicable for Org.

The timestamp in the examples follows ISO-8601 and I have no idea why it 
is confusing.

Offsets for RFC5545 means
- More code for parsing (negligible amount though)
- Due to wide spread confusions, an implementer may pretend that 
timezones are supported just because offsets are saved despite missed 
IANA TZ ID.

In respect to Org offsets and time zone identifiers are discussed in 
this thread in details. As a format for humans it should be more 
permissible and convenient for direct typing. There is no reason to 
insist on UTC where timestamps with fixed offsets are equally valid.