FYI, the first editor's draft for the epub 3.1 standard is now open for review. They are looking for comments and feedback. The IDPF working group really does not have any representation from ebook users, self-publishers or small epub production/publishing houses. They really need your input.
http://idpf.org/news/first-editors-d...ble-for-review
The big change is that they are moving away from proprietary epub3.0. elements and xhtml towards html5 and open web standards meaning that web browser engines like gecko, blink, webkit, etc can be more easily used in reading systems, need for precise xhtml5 can be replaced with more lenient html5 parsing, and that many of the onerous epub3.0 OPF metadata requirements (refinements on refinements anyone?) are being removed. Also being removed is any backwards support for epub2 (guide and ncx).
One of the specific changes to to drop all other dc: metadata like description, source, contributor, and the like that users and ebook library software might be interested in using.
Many of these changes are quite dramatic compared to current epub2 and epub3 system requirements. They are floating these ideas as possibly controversial trial balloons and are looking for input to get the next epub version right.
So if you are an interested user, self-publisher, or small epub production/publishing house, there are public workgroup "issues" open for your comments about all of these major changes.
I am sure they would welcome professional / serious feedback on many of these changes.
KevinH