Erik Moeller wrote:
All,
please participate on:
http://meta.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extension_Syntax
We are trying to develop a standardized syntax for extensions such as the LaTeX extension for mathematical formulas, the upcoming hieroglyphs extension, the SVG extension etc.
There will be a brainstorming phase until April 4, after which we will vote on these different proposals.
This will hopefully allow us to finally start working on a generalized extension interface.
I don't oppose this initiative, but I when I read the meta page I was quick to realize that many of the proposals were beyond my comprehension. I would have a great deal of difficulty in arriving at an informed vote. I'm sure that I'm not alone in that observation.
Most of us in most subjects deal strictly with text, and a significant number can manage the technology of uploading pictures. The really adventurous may be able to manage a simple HTML table. Life should remain as simple as possible for these people, and expanding technological functions should not diminish their ability to contribute.
I nevertheless recognize that some subject areas require more sophisticated approaches, and that these should be made available. A modularized approach may be productive. A person interested in a cartographic interface may not be interested in learning how to represent mathematical formulas or musical notation. Thus, learning one of these extensions should be able to proceed without the need to learn the others, even when there is significant overlap between two extensions.
Ec