Fwd: The XPath/XQuery juggernaut (Was: limits of the generic)

<PRE>[Liam seems unable to successfully subscribe/post to XML-Dev so I am 
forwarding this.]


On Tue, Oct 01, 2002 at 08:13:37AM -0400,  wrote:
> The more scrutiny that W3C specs receive at early stages of development the 
> better. When frustrating pseudo-consultations become the norm, the W3C can't 
> be surprised when those who might usefully comment choose to make better use 
> of their time than provide input which will be ignored.

Every comment sent on w3 drafts, at any stage, *is* read, and the WG
chairs must show that the comment was responded to, and the original
commentator satisfied as far as is possible.  So yes, please *do*
send comments.

> Hopefully Liam will recognise the need for version 2 and later of XML specs 
> to authentically consult the relevant user communities.

It's sometimes really hard to identify who that is.  I actually think
that for XPath 2, Mike Kay has really worked hard on doing that, and
is a loud and clear voice in the working groups.  He is respected
for that, and listened to, and does not misuse that.

For XML Query, I think Jonathan Robie and Michael Rys have both made
similar efforts on xml-dev and at conferences, and Paul Cotton has
worked hard to try and get people involved.

If I can figure out how to post to xml-dev and have the posts get
through, I'll be more visible too, but so far my best guess is that
posts with sender matching "Liam.*Quin" are deleted by a filter at
the mailing list server :-)

But, is there really a single XML Community?  I think there are a
lot of communities.  For example, part of XPath's target userbase
is people who you might meet at Oracle or SQL Server conferences.

As for early scrutiny, a first draft of hlink was made public;
sounds like we can't win.

Liam

-- 
Liam Quin, W3C XML Activity Lead,