Re: Does anyone like microdata?

On Jun 29, 2009, at 1:26 PM, Shelley Powers wrote:

> On Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 2:59 PM, Maciej Stachowiak<mjs@apple.com>  
> wrote:
>>
>> For the record, besides the on-list testimonials, I've received some
>> off-list feedback indicating there are some others who like  
>> microdata but
>> would rather not say so directly on the list.
>>
>> Overall, it seems like microdata has an audience of positive  
>> advocates, even
>> though various people have reasons to dislike it.
>
> I beg your pardon, Maciej, but all you asked for in the original email
> was to hear from people who liked the microdata section.

I apologize if my statement above was unclear. Let me clarify:

1) It seemed like it might be the case, before my original request for  
feedback, that literally no people liked microdata. Ian claimed not to  
like it, and a number of people have spoken vocally against it. If  
this were true, it would mean we should probably just remove the  
microdata section, if there wasn't anyone who found it better than  
nothing.

2) Given the response to my request, it seems like there are some  
people who actively like microdata, so my original hypothesis was  
wrong. I chimed in to report that conclusion.

3) Saying there are some people who like it does not in any way deny  
that there are people who hate it, or disagree with it, or are  
indifferent. It is not a conclusion that there is consensus or even a  
majority in favor.


> As for people who do not respond on the list, their opinions are
> irrelevant. Either people publicly commit their likes, or they go
> uncounted. That is fair and appropriate, do you not agree?

I got the off-list feedback before people chimed in on the list. I was  
hesitant to even report it, because support for microdata isn't worth  
much, if no one is willing to stand behind that view. However, now  
that a number of people have stood behind it publicly, it seemed  
useful to report that extra data point. Members of the Working Group  
may put as much or as little stock in this information as they care to.


Regards,
Maciej