Re: an object model for cataloging vintage computer material

[mdj <mdj.mdj@gmail.com>]

jonnosan wrote:

> EXCLUSIONS / FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
> - RDF (it looks to be easy to map this object model in/out of RDF, but
> adds a layer of indirection that makes the resulting  markup look more
> confusing)

I find the (admittedly Teleological) idea of the Semantic Web emerging
out the need for the IT industry to catalogue its own history to be
quite pleasing.

I think it's important to realise that at the level of abstraction
you're taking your model to, you really are blurring the line between
a conventional relational data model and an ontology to the point
where you may as well just make the leap - it'll make it far easier to
maintain in the future.

There also seems to be some confusion between the concept of
cataloging ones own collection and cataloging the collectible stuff?
Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I thought the end goal here was to
produce a definitive information source of all the "stuff". Figuring
out an effective way to collate all the information via those indexing
their own collections is the essential challenge, and it sounds like a
great deal of fun!

Matt