basic structure, preliminary definition

["Mark Nottingham" <mnot@xxxxx.xxxx]

( this is a bit of elementary stuff that would be good to cover early on )

As a starting point, is there any comment on the basic structure of:

<formatname>
  <header>
    ...
  </header>

  <item>
    ...
  </item>
  ...
</formatname>

(with the possibility of other item-like entities)


If we agree on this, then we can deconstruct the header and item formats. I
know people have spoken of RDF, etc, but the feeling I get from many people
is that it's too complex. Comments?



Also, it would be nice to have a formalised definition for the scope of the
format. I've scribbled:

> A format that Internet content sources can use to make
> lists of references to or summaries of resources (local
> or otherwise) that are bound by an area of interest available
> to third parties in a timely, predictable and intelligent manner.

This obviously needs work.



Mark Nottingham, Melbourne Australia
mnot@pobox.com  http://www.mnot.net/