Re: What did I get myself into?!

["Bill Kearney" <wkearney99@hotmail.com>]

> What say you? The next step in the RSS story seems to be
> evangelization. It's obvious that we're at a stalemate re:
> determining the 'real' owner of the RSS torch. Continuing to infight
> serves no purpose, and as we see demonstrated so well here,
> discourages the adoption of RSS as a format.
> 
> I propose that we (the members of this list) undertake to build a 
Web
> site that explains the ins and outs of RSS, with the politics
> relegated to ONE document (probably "the politics of RSS - choosing 
a
> format"). Can we do this, in the interest of syndication?

Perhaps one key to the puzzle would be an effort to expose and 
explain the various methods for getting material converted into 
syndicating format.  The idea being to get it all broken down into 
the various steps needed.  This seems like a good way to get any new 
participants 'up to speed' on the advantages of syndicated material 
*regardless* of it's format.  

This seems very likely now that something like slashdot has put forth 
the effort into integrating RSS (of whatever format) into it's 
codebase.  Expect a lot of new interest.  Foster that interest with 
assistance.  Make it a no-brainer for anyone new to get on the 
syndication bandwagon.

Should another thing like stors.org emerge consider if it's better to 
meet them with open arms and help them convert to using one of the 
more popular syndication formats.  A simple thing like not calling a 
new format a "cheap knock off" would be a good start.  Ideas like 
these often emerge on completely parallel but separate paths.  
Neither is 'better or worse' simply different based on perceptions at 
the time.  They're ALL good ideas. 

Yes, a web site breaking this stuff down is a very good idea.  

-Bill Kearney