Some clarification: Isn't "microformats" more than one microformat? And what is a microformat? I thought a microformat was a specific collection of defined names and structure defined by a rigorous process of market research intended to consider pervasive use of semantic html in order to increase data fidelity of HTML-borne data widely distributed on the web.
When people mention "microformats" they often are referring to "the use of semantic html to increase data fidelity." This is extremely confusing because a microformat, or Microformat, is something more than any use of semantic html, it's a specific use to represent specific data. That is to say that the word "microformats" does not refer to a technique of data representation. Microformats are not a general extension mechanism, and such language is very confusing, and harmful to discussion. The general extension mechanism is to publish data using the best semantic techniques available, currently via class,rel,profile... The fact that microformats use these means doesn't somehow turn microformats into a technique for doing so. Vendors, authors, or anyone, can use the same techniques to raise proprietary data fidelity in HTML, but that doesn't turn them into a microformat. Data formats using these techniques achieve candidacy as a microformat when their use is widespread. Talk of general microformats doesn't make sense. Talk of microformats as technique also does not make sense. Talk of microformats as a group makes sense, but only when it refers to more than one actual microformat. When applied to people, "Microformateers" is probably better. Ryan, Thanks for helping to clear this up on the whatwg list, to some degree. Do we need to be more protective of our vocabulary? -Ben P.S. The definition I've given is what I understand microformats to be. AFAIK, there is no official definition, which may be contributing to the splintering of our vocabulary and mindshare. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me. _______________________________________________ microformats-discuss mailing list [email protected] http://microformats.org/mailman/listinfo/microformats-discuss
