We’ve decided that IE8 will, by default, interpret web content in the most standards compliant way it can. This decision is a change from what we’ve posted previously.

This is huge. And the correct decision. Bravo IE Team!

Why Change?

Microsoft recently published a set of Interoperability Principles. Thinking about IE8’s behavior with these principles in mind, interpreting web content in the most standards compliant way possible is a better thing to do.

We think that acting in accordance with principles is important, and IE8’s default is a demonstration of the interoperability principles in action. While we do not believe any current legal requirements would dictate which rendering mode a browser must use, this step clearly removes this question as a potential legal and regulatory issue. As stated above, we think it’s the better choice.

[sigh]

This statement hurts you. You should do this because its the right thing to do for the Web, not to remove "a potential legal and regulatory issue." or to in accordance with Interoperability Principles (which hopefully weren't discovered solely while writing a 2.6 billion dollar check to the EU).

I don't think the IE team wants to make a non-standards compliant browser. Or simply a Silverlight terminal. At least I hope not, and I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt (take note Sarah and Andrew). But don't tell us you are doing something because you have to, tell us you are doing something because it makes the web a better place. Doing the right thing consistently helps to reconcile 6 years of neglect far more than upbeat blog posts of questionable accuracy. I'm willing to give you a second look, but make it for the right reasons.

IE8 and Standards: Change for the *right* reasons