In 2005 I noted the following two definitions of truth: 1. WinFS architect Quentin Clark: “We [i.e. the WinFS database] are the truth.” 2. Indigo architect Don Box: “Message, oh Message / The Truth Is On The Wire / There Is Nothing Else” Today I’m adding a third definition: 3. Scott Dart, program manager for … Continue reading Truth, files, microformats, and XMP

I’ve recently been exploring the implications of the following mantra: The truth is in the file. In this context it refers to a strategy for managing metadata (e.g., tags) primarily in digital files (e.g., JPEG images, Word documents) and only secondarily in a database derived from those files. Commenting on an entry that explores how … Continue reading Who’s got the tag? Database truth versus file truth, part 3

For the last five years, Bill Crow has been working on HD Photo, a new image file format that’s intended to supplant the JPEG format currently at the heart of the digital photography ecosystem. I first met Bill many years ago when he came to BYTE to show us HP NewWave, which was probably the … Continue reading A conversation with Bill Crow about HD Photo

Back in February I noted that Photo Gallery can embed metadata — including tags — directly into images. One implication of this “truth in the file” strategy was that photos tagged on the desktop in Photo Gallery would someday be able to carry their tags with them when uploaded to Flickr. Today is that day. … Continue reading “Truth is in the file” redux: From Photo Gallery to Flickr