MALET

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MALET

• The Multi-level Annotation and Link Extension
  Tool
• By Andy Shane
• andy_at_andyland.org

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What is MALET?

• MALET is a completely transparent tool that
  instantly and naturally implements generic
  private, group, and public linking and annotation
  functionalities on the World Wide Web.

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Private Links and Annotations

• Tim Berners-Lees original proposal
• One must be able to add ones own private links
  to and from public information. One must also be
  able to annotate links, as well as nodes,
  privately. (Berners-Lee, Tim, CERN.
  Information Management A Proposal, March
  1989, May 1990.

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Example of Private Links and Annotations
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Group Links and Annotations

• Users of MALET can create groups
• Users can be members of any number of groups
• Users may specify links to be associated with
  some group of which they are a part
• When browsing, you may turn on/off any groups
  links
• Example a MALET group may contain members of
  some project so that they may collaborate
  regarding the project

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Example of Group Links and Annotations
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Public Links and Annotations

• Public links and annotations on documents to
  which you do not have write access
• Everyone can see the links (if they want to)
• Some complexity issues result from this type of
  link
• Not sure if these will be implemented or not
• Could alternatively use group links for
  virtually public links

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Why is MALET Better than Other Systems?

• Complete transparency
• Works instantly
• Works on any existing Web site
• No need for new HTML versions works with any
  browser that the original page works with
• No need for alteration of protocols (HTTP, HTML)
• No need for XML (and therefore IE5)
• No need for alteration or replacement of browser
  or server

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Other Characteristics

• Doesnt store entire altered pages, only
  shorthand notation for the alteration
• Link re-location algorithms
• Link anywhere in page or whole page
• Option of multiple links per link/annotation
  object
• Natural interface, zero learning time required
• Completely generic extension of html links may
  be used in any way, and as an html extension, not
  a proprietary system
• No limits for group creation by admin, etc.

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Architecture of the System
HTTP servers
MALET server (mostly CGI, via an HTTP server)
browser
user
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What Will MALET Look Like?

• First, log into MALET server (via browser)
• Have option to alter view preferences, create
  groups, etc.
• Then browse Web normally (URL will be to CGI
  script with real URL as parameter)
• May have extra frame where you can view and enter
  the real URL naturally user can hide browser URL
  and only use our artificial URL textbox frame

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What Will MALET Look Like?

• MALET links and annotations will be marked with
  small icon inserted dynamically into the page
  click it to view link/note in separate browser
  window
• To create a MALET link or annotation, you use a
  simple interface provided in a separate browser
  window, frame, etc. (see final note)
• View options (per user) allow extensive
  modification to the MALET interface

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Potential Features and Extensions

• Automatic e-mail notification for others links
  on your pages
• Better link re-location algorithms (AI)
• Extension of previous architecture proposal to
  include multiple interacting MALET servers
• Eventual integration of a system like MALET into
  HTTP server software, subsequent integration of
  MALET client features into popular browsers
• Everyone potentially has a MALET account