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Randy Charles Morin blogs about RSS, OPML and the XML platform.
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Copyright 2003-5 Randy Charles Morin
The RSS Blog
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Fri, 30 Sep 2005 15:25:46 GMT
OPML is a really, really crappy format

James Robertson:  Really crappy. I had massive headaches implementing OPML support for import/export in BottomFeeder. Why? Because there's no real specification. Like everything Dave Winer has ever been involved with, the specs are all in his head, and it's up to the rest of us to figure out wtf he actually meant. Here's the "spec" - and look at all the meaningless crap in it.

http://www.cincomsmalltalk.com/blog/blogView?entry=3305486922

Randy: I gotta agree that OPML like RSS is very loosely specified. Something James fails to point out is that the spec he references is for version 1.0, but the most common used version is 1.1. Where's the spec for version 1.1? It doesn't exist. That said, like RSS, OPML is really simple. If you're having a hard time implement stuff in it, then you're working too hard.

Source: Robert Scoble Categories:  
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Fri, 30 Sep 2005 16:41:33 GMT
User comment
OPML is simple enough to implement.  The problem comes in with the import/export formats used by various aggregators.  Those vary is usbtle ways, and it's due to the lack of a firm specification.
Fri, 30 Sep 2005 17:04:25 GMT
User comment
Not at all. The biggest problem is the text vs. title attribute. That issue was created by people who can't read specs. The spec is clear and RSS Bandit used the wrong attribute. Everybody else followed suit.

Randy
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