“Semantic” technology is something that I’ve been tracking ever since the first occurrence crossed my path.
For some, it’s far too theoretical to hold much value in terms of it’s pragmatic use or application, but once you begin to understand some of the basic elements therein, the possibilities of it’s use today (and certainly in the future) grab hold of you.
If you have any interest, go ahead and continue after the jump for a good primer.
I’ve found a good primer here from ReadWriteWeb that’ll give you a good overview of some of the major conversations that are happening out there:
The Semantic Web means many things to different people, because there are a lot of pieces to it.
To some, the Semantic Web is the web of data, where information is represented in RDF and OWL. Some people replace RDF with Microformats.
Others think that the Semantic Web is about web services, while for many it is about artificial intelligence – computer programs solving complex optimization problems that are out of our reach. And business people always redefine the problem in terms of end user value, saying that whatever it is, it needs to have simple and tangible applications for consumers and enterprises.
If I were to point out one particular element that interests me specifically it’s the “contextualization” of data and technologies: Imagine the web “knowing” intimately who you are without it asking or receiving any direct input from the user or the visitor.
It’s perhaps hard to imagine, but I sometimes liken it to that conversation that you have with a really good friend or with your spouse, the ability to “communicate” without saying anything.
Imagine the internet doing that, all the time, everywhere. Is there an application for ministry? I think so.
I’ll be tracking this technology as it matures and grows. I’m pretty excited.
[Image from Wurzelbold]
Daniel_Berman says
Have you run across this gentleman – http://semanticbible.com/blogos ?
human3rror says
No, but i do now. whoa. thanks for this daniel!
stephenbateman says
Dude I love the possibilities of Semantic, but what about people who create entire alternate personalities, do you think it'll have bigger consequences than it does today?
Daniel_Berman says
I would think that a semantic web would take into consideration all of the known facts about an individual. In essence it would become impossible to create a second identity. You might be able to misrepresent yourself as anyone can do now, but the same time if you are able to analyse all the data about someone or something at one time its quite likely that someone somewhere has realized you aren't who you say you are, and so it becomes that much more difficult to lead a double life.
human3rror says
very true daniel. as we become more authentic, it's harder to “fake” unless in a context where it's made completely possible.
human3rror says
Perhaps. but there has always been a danger with tech. all depends on how you use it, right?