RE: [xml-dev] SGML complexity

["Len Bullard" <cbullard@hiwaay.net>]

It doesn't take that long to learn the basics of SGML, and even the advanced
bits aren't too hard to use.  It helps if one has some familiarity with
computer science before beginning, or at least are comfortable with
notations such as BNF.  It depends on the task:  tagging comes naturally to
most people with a bit of practice; DTD design requires a good abstract
mind, and so on.  The "SGML Is TOO HARD!" rubric is oversold and a bit
whiny.

It is implementing SGML software itself that is complex.  It has lots of
features and therefore, many corner cases that one won't discover until one
is deep into the muck.  This like so many attempts at universality reflects
the complexity of the task as much as the tool.  Attempting to have one
metalanguage that works in all languages, syntaxes, and glyph systems is a
like stretching a cloth over a forest of forests and expecting a cheap,
tight fit.  It ain't happening.

len


From: sterling [mailto:sstouden@thelinks.com] 

Yes, the short term test is "community" but in the end, the technology has 
to be irreversibly satisfying to some market need and adopted by all of 
the user members of that market.  The products that support and enable 
must satisfy the essence of that need. 

As I see the market need, it is universal, not niche. The real market is 
for a universal solution capable of solving any demand for ordered data 
presentations.  Few want to learn some of the 20000000000000000000 
different --ml languages for each segment of it. 

Most want a language like English, that can be used to present and 
express anything that comes up.  SGML does that.   It takes about 15 years 
for  members of the general population to learn the English language, how 
long  would it  take for the general population to learn SGML?  English is 
one of the most hated sujects in grammar and high school and I think SGML 
would be too, but it is the only language that could be truly universal.

I think the targeted community approach will work for a while, but in 
fewer than six or seven years you might run out of targeted 
niche communities.  There are still a few commodore computer fans!