A Confluence of Ideas and Information: Part One

As the gap between formal and informal media is shrinking, so too our ability to gather and distribute information and ideas is accelerating. As with all advances in technology this may be used for positive purposes or it may be used to drive us further apart. We will try to stay upbeat and positive.

This preliminary design suggests that perhaps there is a way to begin to merge these disparate elements for a common good. As with previous posts we'll do our best (within our limited expertise!) to push for what is Long Island's "common ground."

Long Island WIKI (LIWIKI): Part One

So what's the first step towards a collaberation between the various Long Island entities? Perhaps a Long Island WIKI? A simple chart and definition may be of some assistance.

A WIKI is defined as "a website that allows visitors to add, remove, edit and change content, typically without the need for registration. It also allows for linking among any number of pages. This ease of interaction and operation makes a wiki an effective tool for mass collaborative authoring. The term wiki can also refer to the collaborative software itself (wiki engine) that facilitates the operation of such a site, or to certain specific wiki sites, including the computer science site (the original wiki) WikiWikiWeb and online encyclopedias such as Wikipedia."

We're taking about something much more advanced and interactive than this.

Obviously there would need to be some ground rules in place to prevent the entry of "non-productive data" and the ability of any group to alter another groups data, but these are reasonably simple fixes. Additionally, it is possible the entire project could be self-sustaining through corporate and foundation sponsorships.

1. Level one is to identify organizations in a number of diverse fields capable of providing both primary source data and analytical skills. This intitial set of organizations will have the duty of "de-bugging" the process and laying the groundwork for additional organizations to be added. Agree on the design of the LIWIKI and the methodologies to be employed.

2. In addition to the data, arrive at a number of prescribed formulae to initially analyze incoming data. "Ad hoc" reporting capability in "virtual" real time is the ultimate goal.

3. Level two of the LIWIKI is an "ideas" forum for those not yet admitted to level one, but believe they have important information that should be included as a level one participant. Level two participants always have the option of participating through Level One participants or informally on the LIWIKI.

4. Identify external data (data not generated by Long Island organizations) and determine how to integrate it into the LIWIKI process.

Obviously, a LIWIKI is just one idea for beginning the collaberative process. We will expand upon this idea as well as others in upcoming entries.

Long Island Metadata Project: Part One

"The simplest definition of metadata is that it is data about data."

Another useful tool in helping Long Island to "get organized" would be for some of our great colleges and universities in cooperation with state and local government and community organizations, to implement a Long Island Metadata Project (LIMDP). My apologies if someone is already doing this. I haven't come across it yet apart from some science related information. (Refer to Oyster Bay 2000 chart "Central Data Access/ Multi Platform" )

The LIMDP could established in conjunction with the SUNY Portal project (presuming it will be constructed to an "open architecture" platform) or as a different project based exclusively on Long Island with links to other projects. Perhaps the new LIFT Innovation Centers Project and other New York State NextGen Projects (both good variants of the Business Accelerator Model in The Port of Technology) could work cooperatively to create the correct environment of better communication. It seems Long Island and New York State have a lot of the correct elements in place and many very intelligent people from all walks of life ready to help our economy and our standard of living. We just need a little help organizing and working cooperatively to a achieve our goals (reference Oyster Bay 2000 "Community Congress" ).

Again the key is establishing a set of "open" standards and API that all such projects will adhere to. This still allow for creativity, competition and innovation while setting the framework for cooperation and information sharing and reasoned analysis. We still may not all agree on the results or how to proceed (human nature) but we are closer to having a unified approach to problem solving. When standards change in the future as inevitably they must, we then have a way to move together in unison rather than having to start from scratch.

Combined with XML, data mining and other relevant technologies, the LIDMP could be a simple and productive first step to having Long Islanders speak a common language and begin to chart a more productive course for our communities.

Using a Common Language to Promote Effective Solutions

You may have noticed a small orange box with the letters XML or RSS appearing with greater frequency on your favorite websites.

XML (Extensible Markup Language) or RSS (Version 2.0/Real Simple Syndication) allows a website to automatically send information to you as soon as the website is updated. It eliminates the need for you to continually check your favorite websites for new information.

Although XML/RSS has been available for some time now, it has now become a mature and easily implemented technology. Now is a perfect time for legislation requiring that New York State and all political subdivisions in New York State make available, at a minimum, emergency information via XML/RSS and to assist organizations working for the public good such as Parents for Megan’s Law, Island Harvest, Long Island Index and many others in upgrading their websites to include XML/RSS.

Some of the benefits to implementing XML/RSS include: 1. Low cost to install, 2. Easy to implement, flexible standard, 3. Facilitates information sharing and distribution, 4. Allows greater public access while maintaining necessary security, 5. Assists in the distribution of Amber Alerts, Megan’s Law Alerts, Homeland Security information, weather alerts, school closings, etc., 6. Will make NYS a leader in the field, 7. Will assist in helping NYS affiliate agencies and community organizations in developing a uniform, coordinated communication standard, 8. Uses the existing public internet, more secure that e-mail; not subject to spammers, 9. Can be easily be linked to other forms of communication including mobile communication devices and software, 10. Great availability of free software to read XML/RSS information; some even allow the user to set their own alerts, 11. Can be adopted as part of a state and national standard for emergency communication.

While this list is by no means complete, it will give you some idea of why it is important to adopt XML/RSS as a New York State standard and as part of an overall strategy for the distribution of important public information.

Most importantly, it will give government, community organizations and the general public the ability to communicate utilizing a "common language," which is a reasonable first step in formulating a sustainable interchange of ideas and concepts which lead to positive action.

Information changes quickly. It must be organized, analyzed and be made available to those in decision making positions to be of real value. XML based data will ensure all parties speak the same "language" and that they proceed from the same set of assumptions.

XML based data utilizing shared analytical tools on a common platform will lead to quicker, more accurate decision making and greater clarity of thought in arriving at decisions which impact the public. Additionally, it will foster better inter-governmental cooperation and, where appropriate, governmental consolidation and the elimination of duplicative services.

Static reports and periodic conferences are important tools, but they do not create the dynamic interchange of information needed to effect lasting, positive improvement. XML based information will lead to virtual real time analysis of issues and information and will encourage greater participation by all segments the public, including the business and non-profit sectors.

Greater diversity of thought with a willingness towards reasonable compromise utilizing shared dynamic and relevent information should produce a better public environment on all levels.

With minor expense to the State and some additional public education all the benefits of XML/RSS, important public information will be available to everyone in a timely and effective manner.

First published March 2006.

For additional information on XML/RSS please go to: http://www.mnot.net/rss/tutorial/, http://xml.gov/, http://www.firstgov.gov/Topics/Reference_Shelf/Libraries/RSS_Library.shtml, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/05/technology/techspecial4/05lego.html?pagewanted=2 ,http://www.search.state.ny.us/search?sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=oft_frontend&proxystylesheet=oft_frontend&site=oft_public_collection&q=xmlAL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=oft_frontend&proxystylesheet=oft_frontend&site=oft_public_collection&q=xml