HM.FAQ last modified: October 25 2001 (This file provides the basic questions/answers about the HumanMarkup TC) ------------------------ INTRODUCTION --------------- This document contains the basic Q&A regarding the HumanMarkup Initiative. Please look through this document to answer any basic questions you may have about the document. If there is a question you would like to add to this document, please feel free to make a post to humanmarkup-comment@lists.oasis-open.org. What is HumanML? -------------------- HumanML falls within of the overall 'HumanMarkup Initiative' as a set of XML specifications designed to specify characteristics unique to human communications. There are 2 different components of HumanML HumanML-XML Schema HumanML-RDF Schema Further, HumanML can be used as "legos" for other-level programming and markup constructs. The HumanMarkup Initiative will define many of these, collectively calling them GenreMLs. HumanML is a series of abstract sets that enable someone to stereotype a human and the means by which they communicate. Clarity: we are not modeling humans. We are providing abstractions by which others may create models. Reasoning about the models can be done with HumanML very effectively. Such models may be used in simulations, agents, even simple reports. But just as any language is an artificial means, so HumanML is an artificial means, a community of abstractions, and the rules applied are applied to these abstractions and the instances derived from them. This will provide tools the uses of which we can predict but cannot constrain. Nor do we wish to constrain them because we are as limited in our understanding of the future as the next guy, so we set goals, laudable goals, and we use these to inform our choices and actions. That is all we can do and it is enough. Why do we need a Human Markup Language? -------------------- The human characteristics of communication are often displaced, ignored, or not accounted for in communications, especially over the Internet. There is a great need to do so, to enhance the ability ideas, thought, feelings, expressions, and all aspects of human communication are possible. What does HumanMarkup believe in? -------------------- We believe in accurate human communications, openness, and representation. Is HumanMarkup open source and non-proprietary? -------------------- All HumanMarkup specificatons adhere to OASIS IPR and open policty guidelines. What is OASIS? -------------------- OASIS is the organization under which our the technical work of the HumanMarkup effort is conducted. http://www.oasis-open.org What is HumanMarkup's relationship with OASIS? -------------------- OASIS sponsors the HumanMarkup Technical Committee, through which the HumanMarkup specifications are set to be established. Please explain the role HumanMarkup's YahooGroup: -------------------- The HumanMarkup Initiative began at YahooGroups, sponsored by HumanMarkup.org (Phase 0). It is located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/humanmarkup Explain HumanMarkup's role within government? -------------------- The work of the HumanMarkup Technical Committee has been recognized by XML.gov, a United States government site created to facilitate the efficient and effective use of XML through cooperative efforts among government agencies, including partnerships with commercial and industrial organizations. Explain HumanMarkup's role within the developer community? -------------------- Since HumanMarkup is a dedicated open source and non-propriety project, HumanMarkup will work closely with other open source providers that are dedicated to keeping information open, transparent, and free. How is the Human Markup Technical Committee Meeting Structured? The Technical Committee is headed by a chairperson, Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga. He presides at all of the meetings. The committee secretary Rex Brooks, take minutes of meeting and assures the meetings follow Robert's Rules of Order. Each member has a chance to offer input and vote on every issue that comes before the technical committee. What areas of research is the HumanMarkup TC currently involved in? --------------- The HumanMarkup TC is exploring all mechanisms and technologies to incorporate human characteristics within XML. Additionally, we have the following subcommittees: 1)**FORTHCOMING HumanML - RDF Subcommittee -- chaired by Manos Batsis -maintain the development of the HumanML -- RDF implementation 2) HumanML_Write Subcommittee - chaired by Joseph Norris -accountable for open-source, non-proprietary editing tool -ensure it conforms to HumanMarkup Specifications -develop project as a showcase for the HumanMarkup TC -develop project plan using project plan methodology and UML 3) VR_AI Subcommittee -- chaired by Rob Nixon -Focuses on cutting edge virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies 4) Physical Subcommittee -- chaired by Sudhakar Gothi - Will focus on the programmatic and schematic diagramming of physical human characteristics I have an area of expertise that I would like to share, how can I do this? --------------------- Please post a message of introduction to HumanMarkup comments message board at humanmarkup-comment@lists.oasis-open.org and members of the HumanMarkup team will respond to you We welcome your ideas, expertise, and efforts to make HumanMarkup a more robust and well-rounded set of specifications. How can I join the efforts of the HumanMarkup Technical Committee? --------------------- The HumanMarkup Technical Committee consists of members of OASIS that have informed the TC chair that they would like to participate in the TC and have decided to begin attending the monthly technical committee meetings which are held monthly on teleconference.