new OASIS discussion list: HumanML

[Karl Best <karl.best@oasis-open.org>]

Upon request by three eligible participants, I have created an OASIS
Discussion List whose purpose is to discuss the possible creation of an
OASIS Technical Committee. This list will exist for no longer than 90 days,
after which time a TC may be formed or not.

The scope of discussion is the Human Markup Language (HumanML), which
addresses issues discussed in the appended message below.

The persons requesting the creation of this list are:

Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga (Individual member), rkthunga@humanmarkup.org
Emmanuil Batsis (Individual member), joetheteacher@hotmail.com
Joseph Norris (Individual member), m.batsis@bsnet.gr

The discussion leader will be Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga.

In order to participate in this discussion you should subscribe to the
discussion list by sending a message to
humanml-discuss-request@lists.oasis-open.org with the word "subscribe" as
the
body of the message. If you do not wish to subscribe, but wish to view the
discussion you may view the list archives at
http://lists.oasis-open.org/archives/humanml-discuss



</karl>
============================================================
Karl F. Best
OASIS - Director, Technical Operations
978.667.5115 x206
karl.best@oasis-open.org  http://www.oasis-open.org



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HUMANML -- SHORT INTRODUCTION / CALL FOR SUPPORT
------------------------------------------------------------------

The function of HumanML is to provide an XML standard that enhances the
quality and depth of human communication.  This is done through the explicit
markup of human characteristics not conveyed through current means.  These
human characteristics include ‘thought processes’, ‘emotions’, ‘motivation’,
‘attitude’, and ‘flexibility’ among others.

So far, we have represented many human traits as emoticons--such as : ),
LOL, (L), : (.  These efforts certainly help convey some human qualities.
They have enhanced human expression, but their benefits are informal,
non-standard, and ultimately limited.  However, with the current XML
framework we now have, we can finally integrate much deeper human aspects
within our communication.  The result will be a substantial enhancement in
the quality of human communications, and the elimination of much
misunderstanding in society.

We are currently working with various cross-industry organizations in
assuring this standard is supported.  All individuals or organizations
interested in participating in the Discussion List and Technical Committee
should contact us to participate.  Although various organizations may derive
benefit from standardizing human expression, it is important to emphasize
the fundamental purpose of HumanML is to eliminate human misunderstanding in
society—thus, it is crucial to note that all efforts towards the HumanML
standard are open and non-proprietary.

We look forward to hearing from parties interested in joining us.

Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga
rkthunga@humanmarkup.org


------------------------------------------------------------------
HUMANML -- LONG INTRODUCTION / CALL FOR SUPPORT
------------------------------------------------------------------

The function of HumanML is to fundamentally enhance the human communications
process, through the use of XML, with the purpose of ending human
misunderstanding.

The ill effects of human misunderstanding are obvious--we don't have to look
far to see animosity, confusion, and distrust.  The results of
misunderstanding have been argument, conflict, violence, and war.  All of
this stems from our inability to communicate our human nature at the root
level.  What does that mean?  It means elements such as 'thought processes',
'emotional state', 'behavioral disposition', 'motivation', 'culture', 'open
mindedness', and 'background' are never explicitly conveyed in our messages,
and thus never fully realized by all parties involved.

Miscommunication in our society abounds.  There are numerous examples:

 -A stern warning to a subordinate may be considered as hateful speech.

 -A recent immigrant may be considered rude for not saying "thank you".

 -A joke to a friend may be interpreted as an insult.

 -A friendly gesture at the workplace may be considered sexual harassment.

 -The main point in a presidential speech may be lost in a cloud of
rhetoric.

 -The facts presented by one party in a debate may be obscured by the jokes
from the other.

 -One army may interpret a ‘show of strength’ by another army as a ‘call for
war’.

We always have had to both risk and guess during communication, leaving each
message susceptible to tremendous bias and prejudice.  This occurs because
subtle human processes involved in communication are not explicitly
expressed.

So far, we have begun to embed rudimentary human aspects within our
communication, through the use of emoticons and acronyms such as  :), lol,
>P, :D, (L) etc.  These have certainly helped convey human expression within
our messages.  However, their use has been informal, non-standard, and quite
limited.  With HumanML, we finally have the platform to embed a much richer
human expression in our messages.  We will finally have the structure to
embed deep human characteristics, such as our 'emotional traits',
'rationale', 'intent', and 'attitude'.  This meta-information will be
contained within each statement, to allow clear and total human
communication for the first time in our history.

As technology develops, and our standards mature, the HumanML forum will be
able to continue to develop ways to embed even deeper and richer human
understanding within statements, to ensure all human communication is
explicitly marked up.  We will continue our efforts until human
misunderstanding is abolished (which, of course, may take a little while ;))

The HumanML specification will be built on top of current endeavors.  Our
focus will be to embed root human characteristics in our messages, and help
bring humanity towards universal empathy.  It will be a very interesting
world in the future, where we finally begin to work together, with both
universal knowledge, and universal empathy.

These are no longer flowery far-off aspirations.  These are finally concrete
attainable endeavors, now possible through XML.

- - - - - - - - -
STEPS
- - - - - - - - -

We will be working with various groups across industries to ensure that
HumanML is supported as an open non-proprietary standard.  It will be
beneficial to have support from individuals or organizations with a
specialized interest in XML, the Semantic Web, and Human Communications. As
the creator of the Discussion List and subsequent Technical Committee, my
qualifications include a broad study of the related fields of
Neuropsychology, Spirituality, Human Communications, and Internet
networking.

The Discussion List will address four important steps:

1) Establish specific applications of the HumanML standard

2) Establish where the HumanML specification fits within current XML
pursuits

3) Determine initial elements/criteria for human communication -- (a current
vocabulary and framework has been developed, which will serve as the
starting point from which to build from)

4) Determine initial members for the Technical Committee

The HumanML Technical Committee, which will follow, will continuously
address the following two tasks:

1) Define and refine vocabularies that capture human characteristics of
communication

2) Define and refine standard communication frameworks within XML for
different human communication settings (examples:  speeches, debates,
counseling sessions)

Final Note:  The fundamental purpose of HumanML is to diminish human
misunderstanding .  Thus, it is crucial to note that all efforts towards the
HumanML standard are open and non-proprietary.

We look forward to input from everyone interested in participating.

Please contact me, Ranjeeth Kumar Thunga (rkthunga@humanmarkup.org) for more
information.