[topicmapmail] multiple Source Locators

[Jan Algermissen]

Stefan Lischke wrote:

> I think "multiple subject locators" is solving alot of problems, but  on
> the other hand maybe creates new stuff to think about.
> 
> What are you thinking about this issue?

Stefan,

I think, that it is a question of DECIDING what the MEANING of a subject locator
is. If This meaning allows multiple subject locators to address the same 'thing',
then, yes, we should have a set of them instead of a single one.

Beware that this also depends on the technology that you deploy topic maps on.
For example, when used with the Web/URIs, an address can NEVER address a piece
of data, just abstractions of it, because URIs address resources (abstractions), not
representations (data). That is an architectural property of the Web and it
IMHO significantly affects the semantics of 'subject locator'.

(To add to the confusion: I personally have dropped the use of subject locators
alltogether in projects that use Topic Maps and HTTP and instead only use
subject indicators. This creatly improves interoperability with the 
technology (browsers) and also with RDF.)

Jan



> thanx Stefan
> 
> [1] irc log :
> http://www.ontopia.net/topicmaps/irc/irclog/2004-08-30.html#t17:57:29
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-- 
Jan Algermissen                           http://www.topicmapping.com
Consultant & Programmer	                  http://www.gooseworks.org