1. Introduction

   This document contrasts: the "document" point of view, where digital
   objects of interest are thought of as pieces of paper written and
   viewed by people, and the "protocol" point of view, where objects of
   interest are composite dynamic network messages.  Those accustomed to
   one point of view frequently have great difficulty appreciating the
   other:  Even after they understand it, they almost always start by
   considering things from their accustomed point of view, assume that
   most of the universe of interest is best viewed from their
   perspective, and commonly slip back into thinking about things
   entirely from that point of view.  Although each point of view has a
   place, adherence to a document point of view can be damaging to
   protocol design.  By understanding both points of view, conflicts
   between them may be clarified and reduced.

   Much of the IETF's traditional work has concerned low level binary
   protocol constructs.  These are almost always viewed from the
   protocol point of view.  But as higher level application constructs
   and syntaxes are involved in the IETF and other standards processes,
   difficulties can arise due to participants who have the document
   point of view.  These two different points of view defined and
   explored in section 2 below.

   Section 3 gives some examples.  Section 4 tries to synthesize the
   views and give general design advice in areas that can reasonably be
   viewed either way.