[linux-audio-dev] Call for participation: MMA GMPI working group

[Steve Harris]

On Tue, Feb 11, 2003 at 08:59:32PM +0100, David Olofson wrote:
> > I've probably suggested this before, but the URI scheme works,
> > anyone who has control over a domain/website can issue URIs, eg. I
> > could use
> >
> > http://plugin.org.uk/gmpi#myPluginName
> >
> > or something of that form. Its robust (relies on the DNS system),
> > and centrally, externally and impartially administered.
> 
> Works for me, although I'm not totally happy about the fact that 
> domains do expire whenever the owner decides they don't care any 
> longer. And if users have plugins created by someone who owned 
> www.xap-plugins.com, and someone else takes over the domain name... 
> Well, you get the idea!

Yes, you have to prevent that sort of thing.
 
> > It could be a requirement that the URI resolves to some information
> > about the plugin. Or not.
> 
> In fact, considering the above, we might even want to *discourage* 
> that. Use another field for URLs, because it's a different thing.
> 
> Also, what do you do with your URIs if you move the home site?

Yes, these are the downsides to recommending URIs be resolvable.
Its generally not a good idea, but occasionally it makes sense.
 
> > If the $30 a year domain registration fees are too onerous, use a
> > free website provider like geocities or such.
> 
> Or find the some owner of a domain likely to hang around for a good 
> while and ask if you can use a "virtual" sub-directory under that 
> domain for your plugins. (Ex: "http://olofson.net/steves-plugins#*". 
> No guarantee that I'll live longer than your plugins, though! ;-)

Sure, nothings perfect :(

If your really worried about longevity you can still request a sub-URI
from an authority (like LADSPA uids are handed out), eg.
http://www.xap.org/steves-plugins/...

- Steve