RE: Artificial distinction between locators and identifiers

> With non-URI identifiers you have to paste the
> identifier into a special piece of software from the outset, to locate
> useful information about it.  Whereas with HTTP URIs, you *might* get
> useful information if you paste the URI into a browser.  

So... an html browser isn't considered a special piece of software? ;-)


-=Michel=-
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: public-semweb-lifesci-request@w3.org
[mailto:public-semweb-lifesci-
> request@w3.org] On Behalf Of Booth, David (HP Software - Boston)
> Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 1:13 AM
> To: Jonathan Rees; Phillip Lord
> Cc: public-semweb-lifesci
> Subject: Artificial distinction between locators and identifiers
> 
> 
> [Subject was RE: IDs + 5; everybody - 10]
> 
> A belated comment, since this thread occurred while I was away on
> vacation:
> 
> In
>
http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/public-semweb-lifesci/2007Jul/0203.h
> tml
> > From: Jonathan Rees
> > [ . . . ]
> > My opinion is that if you want to avoid the locator suggestion
> > entirely, go the route of handles and use names for authorities that
> > don't look at all like domain names.
> 
> There is no such thing as a clear distinction between a locator and an
> identifier.  Any identifier can be used as a locator and vice versa.
> It's just a question of what software you have to use to make it act
> like a locator.  But if you
> don't, you can still resort to pasting the URI into a special piece of
> software.
> 
> It is much better to educate people about the fact that an HTTP URI
can
> act both as a locator and an identifier than to assume that this
> education will not occur and attempt to impose an artificial
distinction
> between them.
> 
> 
> David Booth, Ph.D.
> HP Software
> +1 617 629 8881 office  |  dbooth@hp.com
> http://www.hp.com/go/software
> 
> Opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not represent
> the official views of HP unless explicitly stated otherwise.
>

Received on Wednesday, 8 August 2007 13:19:32 UTC