Critique of the Lake Arrowhead three (Q1193607)

This critique compares the three specification methods presented in this issue, based on their solutions to the database serializability problem. The methods are compared on seven criteria. While neither complete nor disjoint, these criteria provide a convenient framework for the comparison. A single article cannot discuss all aspects of specification, and none of the papers provide a user's manual for a complete specification method. In pointing out omissions, my purpose is to elucidate what is and is not discussed, not to criticize the authors.