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xkcd #2846: Daylight Saving Choice
(imgs.xkcd.com)
Alt text:
I average out the spring and fall changes and just set my clocks 39 minutes ahead year-round.
I never understand the anti timezone argument... Right now I know that across the world they'll be working somewhere between 8h and 17h local like anywhere else in the world, so I do some quick math and I know when that is in relation to me. Without time zones I need to be actively informed at what time someone across the world is working in order to know when I can contact them...
That information won't be lost, though. It just would be expressed differently. They are no longer in a +8 hour time zone, which given your own location in a +1 hour zone would lead to a most likely open time of 8 - 8 + 1 = 1 til 17 - 8 + 1 = 10 your time, but in an area where opening hours are most likely between 0100 and 1000.
There is still a lookup, but no longer a lookup of time difference of the area, but a lookup of usual business hours in the area.
But right now business hours (which is what time zones are used for the most) are the same everywhere, that's much easier than figuring out if this part is India has its business hours from 3 to 11 or from 4 to 12.
I would say not much different from looking up whether they are in the +0530 or +0630 part of India. I guess the perception of convenience also depends on what you are used to seeing.
But no matter which one they're in, you know that by calling at 11 local (no matter if you're using the right time zone) you'll be calling during business hours, no need to check "What are normal business hours in India?"
There's always one check in that situation. Whether it's business hours or timezone difference. And you still need to check business hours even in our current system, so might as well just simplify it (which of course isn't happening any time soon).
Better yet let business hours be based on daylight, no need to wonder if things are open or not based on the sun's position in the sky.
So... Current system then?
Noon is mid day or coffee to it no matter where you are, you know businesses will be open for sure a couple hours before and after noon local time.
No? It shifts midday around. The day gets shorter on both sides of the sun's peak you know?