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

XML Feed Lists for Public Information and Alerts

In previous posts we've talked about the need to have all public information (or, at a minimum, public alerts) available through XML/RSS technology.

We've also explored the need to make all public information available through multiple platforms and on a variety of devices.

Of course we can not force individuals to receive information they don't want to receive. However, at a minimum, there should be a list of XML Alert feeds available, simple instructions on how to use them and accessibility to free devices for those few who do not already have the ability to receive the information.

Alerts should be available from, among others, all governmental agencies, schools, law enforcement agencies, first responders, health agencies, amber alerts and sex offender registries. Furthermore all media should voluntarily conform to a uniform standard with government as one of the methods they use to distribute emergency information.

XML/RSS notification is not the total answer to notifying the public, but it is an effective, low cost solution to granting easy access to important information for public consumption.

Additionally, XML/RSS enabled information will fit very well into the Long Island 3.0 concept, the Long Island Meta-Portal concept and all the other ideas we've explored over the past few months in an effort to create a more coordinated flow of information and enable better public policy as a result of our efforts.

XML for the New York State Unified Court System?

Here are some examples of court systems and related sites utilizing XML/RSS technology to make information concerning the court system more accessible to attorneys and the public. The NYS Justice Courts seem to be off to a good start and heading in the right direction.

Utah State Courts

West Virginia Supreme Court

The Philadelphia Courts

Maryland Judiciary

St. Louis Circuit Court

New Mexico District Court

xmlLegal

Oasis

XML and related technology should speed up the transmission of information in the NYS Courts just as it has in other disciplines.

It would also position the courts for greater participation in Web 2.0 and emerging Web 3.0 technologies and allow for greater interaction between all parties in all aspects of court administration.

These are the only New York State RSS/XML feeds I've been able to locate so far for all agencies including what it says is the Unified Court System but actually appears to be the Justice Court feed. Please let me know if you locate any other feeds. Also NYSTAR has a feed.

All of this, of course, needs to be standardized in a simple, flexible manner and spread to all state agencies, authorities etc. and to all political subdivisions of New York State.

New York State XML Update? New York 3.0?

I was looking at the New York State OFT website, queried XML and came up with this. Here's what NYSTAR has been up to with XML.

It looks a little restrictive as to what's allowable if, in fact, the RFP process was ever completed.

It would probably be in the state's best interests to take a broader view toward xml standards and open data standards in general for all New York State agencies and authorities and all New York State political subdivisions.

Just as we're proposing a Long Island 3.0 approach to public policy solutions, perhaps New York should take a similar approach as well.

Open architecture, multiple platforms, multiple API. The more businesses we can interest in developing products for New York, the better it is for the New York economy.

The state (and/or Long Island) should lead the way in promoting creative thinking and innovative products and should, in essence, be a laboratory for their implementation.

Create a simple public alert system

In our initial post (although posted in another blogging software many months ago) we advocated for an XML based alert system (and general information system) for all political subdivisions of New York State and for other entities with essential public information.

It's inexpensive to accomplish and the information can be received on a variety of devices. It may even be coupled with SMS and other technologies to form a very inexpensive way to contact the general public for any emergency notification.

Government could even create its own inexpensive software and devices to distribute free to the public for those few who do not have access to the technology already. With a little coordination and training there is really no reason anyone in the public should be without access to immediate emergency information.

XML. Inexpensive, easy and effective.

"Viral" Information Systems: Part One

I think most folks have heard of "viral" marketing by now.

So what if we use some of those techniques to enhance information flow on Long Island (and elsewhere)? What is the best method to do so?

We've posted previously about the attributes of the flexibility and cost effectiveness and of an XML based system. We've also posted previously about how, with the advent of new Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies Long Islanders (and others) can create an environment whereby they are active participants in the information flow (New York State Alert System, Citizen Media Network and Citizen Alert Network etc.).

We've also seen recently the use of text messaging (SMS) to alert student of possible dangers on their campuses.

The above graphic (click on the graphic for a larger view) illustrates how an XML based system (in all its variants and bridge attributes) can be used to create a "viral" information system where information can be distributed to many from single or multiple points of origin.

More in part two.

The case for "verifiable vendor-neutrality"

"Open standards are clearly a good thing. Hurrah for open standards, etc. Nail my hat to the ceiling! But anyone who has been involved in community and consortium committees where there are commercial rivalries engaged knows that the thing that kills or corrupts a standard is when the spirit of mutual accommodation is overtaken by the spirit of competition. When I look over the standards that I have been to one extent involved with, at ISO, W3C and tangentially at IETF and OASIS, the golden rule is that the standards that come out of a nasty process have problems. The rancour during the Open XML debates does not auger well either for ODF and Open XML, in this respect, but I am an optimist."

Excellent analysis of how we should approach the "open standards" or "verifiable vendor neutrality" issue.

100% on point for our Long Island 3.0/Long Island Congress project.

Hyperlocalism and consolidation: Part One

Long Island is not only a "series" of individual communities, it is in many cases a series of neighborhoods existing within these communities.

This governmental "hyperlocalism" is firmly entrenched in our "New England" approach to governing our communities and our basic distrust of large entities controlling our actions without giving us a voice. Even the most active local politician or community leader knows the difficulty of bringing diverse elements together within a community for a common purpose.

Interestingly, as political leaders here in New York wrestle with whether we can consolidate all the various levels of government and if we do, whether it will in fact lead to significant tax savings, media is experiencing a consolidation of its own. This consolidation however may actually lead to a more "hyperlocal" media. Is there a connection between the consolidation or convergence of media and how we may govern ourselves in the near future?

Web 2.0 including (XML technologies) has made it even easier for almost anyone to become a media power. No longer does an individual or organization need a large amount of capital to be competitive. Bloggers are just the beginning of what we are to see in this new era of information sharing. International and national content (news and opinions) are readily available via xml feeds to any web site. Local content is another matter. On Long Island, as elsewhere, the more local the content, the more interest it holds for the reader. But who can now provide the local content. In short almost anyone with time to spare and in some cases with greater insight and skill.

So, if information will be easier to share, and people have an inherent interest in local issues, it would seem that the move to consolidate local government would fly in the face of what most folks are interested in preserving.

Why not just make local information on the various levels of government easier to share and more accessible to analyze?

Is this not a better way to preserve local control and local identity while ensuring greater accountability?

Won't this type of behavior allow all levels governments to look to each other and to pick the best practices and to foster cooperation? Can local government take advantage of the emerging "service science" movement?

In the near future, will communities and individuals rely more on one another for accurate information than on the media or government?

If you build it ... Part One

"Kevin Kamen, president of media appraisal firm Kamen & Co. Group Services in Baldwin, said in an email Monday morning that the deal will allow Cablevision "a clear channel opportunity to expand and cross sell advertising across multiple broad channels...and will generate great financial rewards and benefits over the years."

But, he said, while the deal will "please" shareholders, "unfortunately for the consumer, both editorially and financially, it is never a good idea to let one media conglomerate control pricing and editorial content."

OK so I don't pretend to be a media expert.

But it strikes me as a lot of doom and gloom that only "one player" will control the news and editorial content for all of Long Island.

Sure Newsday and Cablevision have great brand ID and a lot of smart folks working for them.

Why don't I worry?

Because it is very easy to create a competitor network (or collaborative networks) constructed out of the many content sources we have here on Long Island.

What news do people really want? My experience is first they want the news that most effects their immediate daily life. "Hyperlocalism" is a buzz word often used to describe the web based confluence of news, information, video etc, focused on a "finite" location or area of interest. Do folks in Sayville care about what's happening in Bayville? Maybe a little, but not a lot.

Next maybe they are interested in a regional perspective and so forth almost like expanding waves of knowledge gathering.

Most national and international news, sports, entertainment news etc is provided from a wide array of organizations and sources predominately through XML (extensible markup language) or some similar protocol which updates news almost as it happens. Most of this information is free to use for non-profit enterprises and for a nominal fee for profit oriented enterprises.

Next opinion. Look everybody has an opinion. Hopefully its an informed opinion. There are tons of blogs, podcasts, video what have you out there giving opinions on almost anything you can think of. What if, for example, you set up a rotating multiple xml feed of ten food critics? Wouldn't that be better than one? Wouldn't that give the public a better view of what's out there?

In fact, why should we be limited by any one group's point of view or control over the distribution of content?

How about (as we've explored previously) a rotating editorial board made up of regular citizens and members of various organizations of let's say 20 at a time, rotating through every 60 days on staggered shifts? It can actually be a "virtual" editorial board able to meet on a moments notice. Wouldn't this ensure that all voices are heard and that there is a true diversity of opinion made available? Why should only a few folks have all the fun!

Additionally, there is the issue of trust. Does the general public (or anyone for that matter) trust that the information they are getting is accurate and presented fairly?

My belief is that the more power (information is power) in the greater number of hands the greater the likelihood is that we will have an equal playing field for the debate of ideas that will shape our future.

Toward this end we have a number of "One Long Island" projects underway and in the planning stages that would make the creation of this "Long Island independent information and news" project a reality.

Would it replace existing news institutions? No. There would be no purpose in that as the existing institutions provide an important service and one that many folks depend upon.

But there is room for improvement and real diversity of news, opinion and thought on Long Island.

It is possible to create a reliable collaborative Long Island news and information network that is, among other things, accessible, flexible and accurate.

More in Part Two.

More ideas ...

A major issue with consolidation and inter-organization (municipal/business/community/non-profit etc) cooperation is that there is not a technical-organizational “framework” in place that allows for the secure free flow of information and ideas and a set of open/flexible “standards” that all parties agree to use in this communication. Oyster Bay 2000 was an initial attempt to establish a reasonable beginning for a discussion on how to create such a “framework."

One of the keys to success is making sure that it subscribes to an “secure open standard” (one that allows it to easily link or share information with other software applications/open architecture) and that it is “carrier neutral” (http://www.dpsproject.com/neutralcarrier.html). For example, shouldn't all GIS work with all GPS? Shouldn't all data have the possibility of being connected? Shouldn't we have the ability to generate "ad hoc" reports easily and seamlessly to analyze and come to a consensus on public issues?

Many fine reports and studies are issued by the LI Index, LIA, Energeia/Molloy College and dozens of other fine organizations as “static” reports. Unfortunately they have no current way to connect to one another and evolve over time or in virtual real time as new information becomes available. There are many smart individuals in our communities (and beyond) who, if given the opportunity have a lot to add to the public debate.

Obviously everyone can’t connect to everyone all the time for any reason and no one is advocating a “free for all.” But there are ways to increase the communication over time in an organized way (Oyster Bay 2000 was a beginning) that will do more to foster the long term health and prosperity of LI than the continuing parade of “studies" however fine they may be, that end up on a shelf and are at best, the opinion of a limited group, no matter how intelligent they may be, of people at a particular point in time. We need continual interaction and accurate follow-up and standards to determine success.

We must also learn to cooperate in a more civil, professional way and put aside as much of our partisan (political or otherwise) nature as possible. As Long Island continues to mature, resources will become more scarce, and our decisions will have greater impact on how we live our lives. Technology can help, but not without sound analysis based on common information.

Additionally, there is a natural tendency to protect one's "turf" whether it is political, media, education, civic or any of the dozens of categories under which we define ourselves. The key is to allow (even promote) individuality and creativity within a group setting. This way the "social dynamic" is not unreasonably disturbed, interests are not unreasonably threatened but there is a mechanism to work collaboratively.

XML is one method among many that should be used in establishing this open dynamic (real time) framework (in addition to some of the ideas in these links):


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_networking

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Mining

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_information_system

We will explore the benefits of these ideas, and others, in later posts.

Common Formulae: Part Two

I saw this company featured on PBS last night in a program on renewable energy. I'm sure there are similar companies, but this one was singled out as being effective.

It got me thinking whether there is a formula that would fit this aspect of Long Island's health into the Long Island 2.0 concept (among other concepts we've explored).

Maybe in part the formula can be constructed as follows:

If there are x number of government-education-other public buildings and there is y square feet of available space for solar panels then Long Island public facilities can generate z amount of power at bb rate minus cost of installation/cost of power and or federal or state subsidies (if any).

Of course the PBS program focused on how Sun Edison worked with local business to lessen the impact of peak power needs, so this partial formula could be applied there as well.

Here is LIPA's current solar energy program. I don't know how they determine the upside of solar or if a program like Sun Edison's is permissible in New York State.

All information is welcome.

Also look at MathML an XML based application which may be useful in constructing and implementing common formulae.

Long Island Independent Media Consortium: Part Two

So we have all these different organizations on Long Island, all with varying degrees of technical expertise and many on different seemingly incompatible systems.

What to do?

They key to making this all work is to "build bridges" using a "common language."

What do we mean by a common language? We mean giving Long Islanders the tools necessary to engage in productive, positive public discourse in a flexible, collaborative manner. These tools include all the Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 tools and concepts contained with One Long Island.

Gee. we can't get all that done right now, so what can we do?

Start simply. First get all web sites and blogs up to Web 2.0 standards. This may be as simple as adding an XML feed to your site or creating a free blog and linking it to your existing site.

Secondly, talk to your organization about how and who it would be advantageous for you to collaborate with and the subject areas of collaboration of most interest to you. Do not just limit it to organizations or individuals within your own field of expertise.

These are the starting points for high level Long Island "end user" operated media service. It also creates an environment for all types of innovative collaboration.

After all, the idea is to get things done, not just talk, write or do studies about them, isn't it?

The Long Island Independent Media Consortium idea is really just part of one larger idea of creating a Long Island Philosophy. One that will give our citizens the skills, hope and courage necessary to make the substantive change required for a positive future on Long Island.

More in Part Three.

On a separate note here is how my new CD project is progressing. A few tunes in various stages of completion ...

Did You Think I Was Surprised?

You Better Treat Me Right

Prelude 3a

New York State Alert System: A simple start?

I came across this product which allows blogs and other web based solutions to send out free SMS posts. How quickly it sends the alerts is not clear. I know there are other low cost solutions which allow the user or administrator to "force" an alert more quickly than general information.

It is illustrative of the direction technology is heading and how abundant simple XML, SMS and other similar types of solutions are becoming. New York State should look to utilize this type of product (among others) and solutions in its overall "alert" and "general" information distribution plans.

I hope to have a few minutes later to hook this product up and test it out.

More Citizen Alert ideas ...

"Three state senators called on Gov. David A. Paterson to sign into law a bill that would create a statewide e-mail alert program notifying people when a convicted sex offender moves into a neighborhood.

But the executive director of Parents for Megan's Law - a Stony Brook-based nonprofit group that provides the same service and allows visitors to its Web site to map where offenders are located with thumbnail sketches complete with pictures - said such a program may be redundant."

Here we have yet the latest example of a worthwhile program running into an "implementation" problem.

Putting aside the issues that the alerts should be more than email (xml etc) and as we have previously stated, ideas of this sort should be "plug and play."

That is, there should be existing, dynamic and flexible open standards in place to immediately execute the ideas of our elected officials and our concerned citizens and organizations.

"One Long Island" contains suggestions for this type of open system.

More good ideas ...

Congressman Bishop has a good idea for issuing public alerts in the event of an unhealthy sewer treatment plant discharge.

All we need to do is add this to the selectable XML Public Alert Feed lists we talked about earlier and this project will have a simple resolution.

When we get the details regarding Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security Mike Balboni's NYS alert project we will attempt to integrate our ideas with his if necessary.

Congressman Bishop's idea and Senator Skelos' Campus Alert idea really all should be interconnected with Mr. Balboni's idea (or vice versa) and other ideas that may be feasible.

As we've said previously, all alert projects (and general public information as well) must, at a minimum, be based on an open architecture with multiple API and available on multiple platforms.

LIWIKI Update

I came across this idea for a secure peer-to-peer WIKI Engine which may be a good model to use as a basis for a Long Island WIKI.

Peer-to peer WIKIs may be integrated into standard WIKIs as well as other web-based and xml based solutions including the Semantic Web.

I'll keep digging. The answer is out there somewhere.

If you build it ... Part Two

So much of the news and information we receive is "bundled" and delivered from multiple sources.

Those of us who use RSS/XML readers on a regular basis know that there is a universe of information out there to be delivered in virtual real time for those willing to do a little exploration.

So if we were constructing a Long Island news and information "portal" or a series of collaborative "portals" what would we need to do?

First of all, let's be clear. The news and information is already generated by us. We may pay others for a service to distribute it and analyze it, but we are the news and information. 

This is not to diminish what media folks do or a particular expertise they may bring to a particular subject, but without us they're out of business. Much as we elect representatives from the various forms of government to work for our common interests and confer that privilege upon them, so too do we confer the same privilege upon the media.

Much of what we've discussed over the past year or so (even back to 1993 for that matter) is directly applicable to this particular product. In fact we've explored this theme with the Citizen Media and Citizen Alert posts (among many others) some time ago. I tend to see most of this as inter-related.

A good portion of information is free and one can very easily create a robust information portal and in fact can create a portal that the end user (us) can customize to their own particular viewing preferences. 

Moreover we can integrate LYDIA technology (as we are in a number of One Long Island projects already) to create a powerful news and information analysis tool.

The individual will be able to discern what is accurate and factual. How about that!

Ah ha you say, what about the hard hitting investigative reporting we all need to make sure those in high places are not up to low down and dirty deeds!

Again. Think of where most of the leads come from to expose wrong doing. That's right. You and me.

Will we always need professional investigative journalists? Of course. But they are simply an outgrowth of an investigative public, active and knowledgeable in its own affairs with access to the information and tools necessary in a representative democracy. 

We really shouldn't depend on journalists or elected officials or others to do our homework for us.

Am I advocating the dissolution of all profit based media? No. Advertising dollars pay salaries. Reporters aren't going to work for free. Someone has to gather up even the "bundled" news although over time this need may dissipate as well.

Am I advocating the fact that an organized and collaborative public can inform itself on an equal, or in some cases superior manner? Yes.

More in Part Three.

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.

More old stuff...

I was clearing out some old files and I came across this chart.

It represents how autonomous or related entities (organizational, conceptual, advocacy based etc.) can maintain their autonomy and identity while cooperating and interacting with the larger world through the utilization of XML technology.

Just one part of the puzzle.

Nice to see ...

... NY - Alert now has XML/RSS feeds. 

Hopefully this will start a trend for all New York Political Subdivisions and other public entities (federal, state and local) as we stated in previous posts on this site.

Let's hope this is the beginning of an integrated communications platform.