Scouta Joins The APML Workgroup

One aspect of Scouta that we’re very passionate about is making sure that it is open, and members have freedom. So we have a bunch of features that are on the way that will be focusing on making sure that members can do what they want with their favorites and recommendations, among other things.

That’s why we’re very excited to announce that we’ve joined the APML Workgroup.

APML will allow users to export and use their own personal Attention Profile in much the same way that OPML allows them to export their reading lists from Feed Readers.

The idea is to boil down all forms of Attention Data – including Browser History, OPML, Attention.XML, Email etc – to a portable file format containing a description of ranked user interests.

If that sounds like mumbo-jumbo, let me explain one major benefit: consumer freedom. If anyone can take their own information, and add it or delete it, from a range of services, then you have choice.

At the moment there are dozens (actually, probably hundreds, if not thousands) of services that collect this information. But there is no easy way for you to claim it, and take it with you. So, that’s one of the workgroup’s aims.

Given Scouta’s aim for member freedom, it made a lot of sense us joining the group.

We’ve joined an amazing class of people in the workgroup, and are very humbled to be amongst them.