Hello Everyone,
Here are a few topic areas with a few introductory statements for a paper
continuing our Human Markup research on Diplomatic Communications.
Some feedback on how Human Markup can assist is standardized data
collection, security, data fidelity and veracity would be appreciated. It is
terribly difficult to get this work jumpstarted so even a few ideas passed
around would do wonders.
Building on these thought pieces will be of considerable help to any future
subcommittee work on DipCon.
Cordially,
Joe Norris
jwnorris@humanmarkup.org
Human Markup and Diplomatic Communications
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The need for precise reporting: Rationale
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For any large organization to be functional, an internal communication
system must be put in place to assure the correct, timely, and orderly flow of
information within the organizational structure. Success or failure can depend
simply on information being in the right hands at the right time. Defining the
problem of faulty information flow is an easy task - aiding in its solution
has proven to be a more considerable challenge.
Historic Attempts: Standardized Forms
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Anecdotally and personally, one can conjure up memories of filling out
standardized questionnaires or forms that would be somehow processed; be it
dumped in the trash, or perhaps read, or fed into a database. Intelligent
solutions for handling and processing data have been implemented throughout
all of history with mixed results.
With a plethora of forms that attempt to bring harmony to often discordant
and varied information, modern information processing and collection has
become routine. Human Markup, while not attempting to replace or supercede
existing data warehouses, can all several new layers of encoding, markup, and
semantic layers to preexisting, real-time, or concurrently collected data.
[TBC]
Historic Attempt: Security
--------------------------
The "diplomatic pouch" - carrier of many a national secret and critical
communiqués has been an important tool in the diplomatic world for centuries.
Correspondences, treaties, and communiqués of all varieties were sealed inside
these "inviolable" conveyances.
Issues of information security have been widely discussed and addressed
within the information technology community. Human Markup does not seek to
offer some form of encryption but rather offers an ability to ensure, via XML
encoding, that data is attributable to the person or groups that have provided
the data. [TBC]
Historic Attempts: Veracity and Fidelity
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How does one judge the reliability of information? Trusting the source is
one way. If you know the person who provides the information one would feel
more secure in the accuracy and reliability of that information. Another way
is to check the facts, cross referencing new information with old, referencing
and inductively processing data with expected outcomes and pattern
recognition.
In this world of gigantic organizations with information providers coming
from all sources we must seek a new way to verify the truthfulness of
information. If report from a diplomatic attaché comes in from a distant
outpost, how can people at headquarters know that this information is
reliable, conformant with similar data, and faithful to the actual intent of
the information provider?
Human Markup with the development of "virtual personalities" within
identifiable communication networks could allow for any piece of information
to be attached to a readily identifiable packet of data which identifies the
originator of that information. Collectively, work groups and researchers
could append and make addenda to any piece of data and all of this work could
be attached to the information as it moves. Hence, a trail of clarifying data
can enable the information consumer to see the who, what, why, and where's
about anything he or she reads. This metadata trail would ensure fidelity and
veracity adding value to mission critical communications that are required
within the diplomatic community.
Common Problem with a Human Markup Solution
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Whenever two people come together for whatever purpose, Human Markup could
provide the means to increase the fidelity within any human to human
communication. The communications revolution of the 20th century involved
telephones, fiber optics, satellites, and other technical marvels. The 21st
century calls for a closer bond between technology and the people who use it.
Human Markup can provide new answers to ancient and persistent problems. [TBC
Human Markup specific work goes here]
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Version 0.1: Very Rough Draft/Thought-piece Stage
Joseph W. Norris
Human Markup OASIS Technical Committee