Larry Masinter wrote:
I tend to lean towards "every application gets a new media type".
In case it isn't obvious by now, so do I.
This is a fine maxim, but it begs the question: what constitutes
a separate, distinct application, vs a modification, profile,
extension, or varation of an old one?
In the case where you're allowed to have a document that mixes
traditional HTML, MathML, Vector Graphics ML, etc., are these
separate "applications" or are they one "application" ("renderable
XML document")?
Well...
The issue is certainly complex. In the XHTML world, we envision a
plethora of derivative document types based upon the defined XHTML
modules and their semantics, other standard modules and THEIR semantics,
and privately defined modules and THEIR semantics. While we are still
actively debating the definition of "XHTML Family", it is clear to me
that this family includes a significant subset of these derivative
document types.
So, if there is a type for XHTML (text/xhtml), then that type has to be
flexible enough in definition to accommodate all documents with a type
that falls within the XHTML family. A Conforming Client would be
required to handle any XHTML family document in some sensible manner.
So, in answer to your question, I think it is up to the developer of the
Media Type to define the rules for inclusion within that type, and to do
so carefully. If they do it wrong (as we did in text/html), then they
will be forced to live with their error forever. If they do it right,
then future documents will forever be compatible in some manner. Viola.
Too simple? Perhaps. Too much magic? Perhaps again. However, we are
not in a position to dictate what every possible application might do in
the future. Better to tell the application developers to be
circumspect, and let the market decide who did it right in the end.
In case it isn't obvious, I too lean toward each application "family"
having their own media type. This is the only broadly recognized
announcement mechanism we have, after all.
--
Shane P. McCarron phone: +1 612 434-4431
Testing Research Manager fax: +1 612 434-4318
mobile: +1 612 799-6942
e-mail:
shane(_at_)themacs(_dot_)com
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