2010-01-21T15:08:29+00:00 At #datagovuk launch. Waiting for the luminaries. All very exciting
2010-01-21T15:10:34+00:00 Stephen Timms MP talking about the stuffs #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:11:01+00:00 Data about companies in the first breath... huzzah for @delineator
2010-01-21T15:13:22+00:00 Timms: We've achieved a lot. We appreciate your enthusiasm #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:14:01+00:00 Features at daa.gov.uk reflect feedback form developers. We'll keep engaging #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:14:29+00:00 Timms: Over the next few months we'll release more data and continue to develop it, with more and more being linked #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:14:59+00:00 Timms: Also driving this forward in local government.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:15:43+00:00 Timms: Public data is the cornerstone of our plans for smarter government and to strengthen relationship between citizen & state #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:15:53+00:00 @hubmum :P
2010-01-21T15:16:32+00:00 Timms: we want to hear what data are your priorities, how we can improve data.gov.uk further, and what cool stuff you're making  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:17:13+00:00 Timms: How do we make this real? New businesses and social ventures. Build on early successes.  Pub sector can offer wide support #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:18:06+00:00 Timms: Thinking more about what we can do. Wants UK to showcase what can be done #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:18:53+00:00 Timms: 3 priorities: accountability and transparency. Improve public services and feedback. Economic growth and social value. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:20:08+00:00 PS: unfollow for a while if you don't care about data.gov.uk and #opendata :)
2010-01-21T15:20:32+00:00 Mr Berners Lee has taken the stage
2010-01-21T15:20:52+00:00 TBL using his flip to film the audience. Perhaps he'll review us later :)  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:22:17+00:00 TBL: Govt data v valuable and underutilised. Lots of people looking to the UK. Launch of this site puts us out there #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:22:38+00:00 TBL: Nice little jab at the US (http://data.gov) #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:23:14+00:00 TBL: namechecked @johnlsheridan #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:23:49+00:00 TBL: There was a point where Brown asked how the UK should make the best use of the 'net. TBL says "put all your data on the internet"...
2010-01-21T15:24:03+00:00 ... Brown says "OK, let's do it"  (yay!) #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:25:26+00:00 TBL: lots of people announcing public data sites. Lots of people impressed at how quickly UK's done it  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:26:42+00:00 TBL:  Talking about linked data, and how checking public service outcomes can be compared. Looking for trends and relationships #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:27:23+00:00 TBL: Good idea to pay for these websites to be made -- but publish the data first, and see if someone else does it.#datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:27:52+00:00 TBL: Putting data on the web is much more powerful than putting documents on the web. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:28:59+00:00 TBL: Effort required to publish data is v small compared to effort required to make datasets in the first place #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:29:20+00:00 TBL: We must make sure that the people who make data get kudos, respect and credit. Always track the providence #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:29:38+00:00 TBL: Over to Nigel Shadbolt #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:31:14+00:00 Shadbolt: Why does this matter? what's it for? Cholera map. Bicycle accident data.  Improving public services #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:31:22+00:00 Man, this guy talks fast #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:32:08+00:00 Shadbolt: Talking about FillThatHole. League tables. This is how information can improve public services delivery #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:33:00+00:00 Progress at all levels -- top down, middle out and bottom up ("middle out"? That's not good. That's why I cycle...) #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:34:18+00:00 Shadbolt: Site fully open source. Made by 10 people (ish) over 6 months. Blogs, data, ideas, showcase.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:35:25+00:00 Shadbold: Some of the data is linked. Expresses how data can be joined up. Wants to make more of it linked. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:37:59+00:00 Shadbolt: Change maps for congestion in central london #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:39:35+00:00 Shadbolt: We have to get information into the hands of the greatest number of people with the least amount of friction #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:47:26+00:00 Eh, wifi gone byebye #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:49:55+00:00 Gadzooks! That developer's wearing a tie! #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:50:44+00:00 @osbornec demoing the edits to openstreetmap -- it's that totally fab video (room full of v quiet speechless people) #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:51:39+00:00 @osbornec We do stuff with transport -- try to solve problems by looking for stories in the data #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:52:34+00:00 @osbornec: Very expensive to get complete coverage -- unless you get help from the community (yay for crowdsourcing) #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:53:49+00:00 @osbornec: here's our automatically generated transport map for every station in the uk (almost) <-- groovy #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:55:12+00:00 @osbornec & company made a web app to generate posters for local transport services that you can print and put up! Impressed.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:56:06+00:00 @osbornec Can we have *all* the information on transport timetables please? kthxbai. (paraphrased)  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T15:59:03+00:00 Next is the man from http://bit.ly/7sZtvR #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:00:40+00:00 @stephenctimms Hashtag is #datagovuk!
2010-01-21T16:01:56+00:00 Looking at some pretty visualisations. Though I'm sure it's naughty to represent one-dimensional data in two dimensions? Hmm. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:03:06+00:00 Visualisations of how differnet parties' proposals would reduce the deficit. V nice #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:05:15+00:00 And now to PlanningAlerts. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:07:18+00:00 Hoping @memespring will mention ernestmarples  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:08:23+00:00 And now to TheStraightChoice.org #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:10:14+00:00 Now time for the inimitably splendid Matthew Somerville #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:11:15+00:00 @dracos demoing Mapumental. Impresive as ever. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:12:18+00:00 @dracos now demoing traintimes.org #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:14:25+00:00 @dracos talking about constituency boundaries. They're a real mess. @mysociety fixed it. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:17:00+00:00 Wretched wifi kicked me off again:( #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:20:41+00:00 @simonw showing off his wildlife-related apps. Ever wondered where sleeps your nearest owl? http://owlsnearyou.com
2010-01-21T16:22:48+00:00 Tom Taylor now demoing the local newspaper. The room's full of rustling #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:23:54+00:00 RT @delineator: watching talented people present things - many calling for release of govt trading fund controlled data <-- Yes.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:26:18+00:00 Taylor talking about the problems. Bad spreadsheets. Few APIs, and weird restrictions on the ones that do exist. Ordnance Survey #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:26:55+00:00 Tom Taylor sounding happy that OS data might be released soon. "The photo on the front is not correctly licenced" - cue giggles  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:27:32+00:00 If you're interested in hyperlocal newspapers email tom@newspaperclub.co.uk  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:28:51+00:00 And on to the panel session on "The power of Apps" #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:29:50+00:00 "Tim's an Oxford graduate who went on to invent the World Wide Web" (cue more giggles)  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:31:04+00:00 Anyone who wants to ask the panel a question -- @ me and tag your message  with #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:31:56+00:00 First topic: Where do we go now?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:32:45+00:00 TBL: this is tip of iceberg. Direction is good but there's lots more to do. We're at the bottom of the S curve. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:33:22+00:00 TBL: More things will be automated in the future, and over time govt IT will generate more data.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:33:45+00:00 TBL: It's going to take lots of work and keeping things on track will take constant vigilance #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:34:07+00:00 Shadbolt: We don't know where in the S curve we are, because govt doesn't know what data it has. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:34:24+00:00 Shadbolt: We haven't talked much today about new standards, esp around linked data #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:34:52+00:00 Shadbolt: We need to get better at finding the joining points between data sets #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:35:06+00:00 Shadbolt: We also need to get a handle on local data. It's really important #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:35:33+00:00 Shadbolt: We definitely need to recognise that this has to be in the right part of government, cared for and cherished. #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:36:42+00:00 Richard Allen: You meet a lot of resistence in govt because they worry about what might go wrong. Threats to reputation  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:37:19+00:00 Allan: We need confidence and expertise. Government does have this but it's in discrete pockets #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:37:54+00:00 Allan: Esp in local government, we need to deliver the expertise to give civil servants confidence #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:38:11+00:00 Bracken: Is the opportunity in local government bigger than the one in central?
2010-01-21T16:38:48+00:00 @openlylocal: Yes. We live locally. That's where most data comes from #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:40:09+00:00 Bracken: What entrepreneurial opportunities does this raise? What do you expect to see? #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:40:59+00:00 Shadbolt: This is an article of faith. Where it gets monetised, and where the business model comes from[, we don't yet know] #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:41:32+00:00 Shadbolt: This is an embryonic landscape but evidence from the past is that there's a huge amount of value to be generated  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:41:55+00:00 (I have a very loud keyboard. Apols to all in the room :(  #datagovuk)
2010-01-21T16:45:09+00:00 Shadbolt talking about privacy #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:45:40+00:00 @tom_watson Surprised not to see you! Planning to come along later?
2010-01-21T16:46:56+00:00 @openlylocal: I don't know what business models will succeed. Too early to see.
2010-01-21T16:47:16+00:00 @olimox Hah! No. They should just take the machines away :)
2010-01-21T16:48:24+00:00 @openlylocal Data is currently open to anyone with power and money. Needs to be everyone  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:48:33+00:00 And on to the Q&A  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:49:04+00:00 ZDnet person: Do you think that the concept of privacy is being eroded by data sharing and social networking sites?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:49:41+00:00 Richard Allan: Important to distinguish things you do for yourself and things that are done to you.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:50:12+00:00 Allan: Sharing personal data =  doing something to you. Publishing non-personal data = doing something for you.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:50:46+00:00 Allan: Gov data sharing is an interesting trend but is a separate issue from Data.gov.uk. We mustn't mix them up  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:51:24+00:00 Shadbolt: Privacy implications are social questions, not technological ones.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:51:59+00:00 Carol Tullo from OPSI talking about data licensing  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:53:05+00:00 @hubmum gave me her last hula hoop.  *yummy*
2010-01-21T16:53:45+00:00 Computer Weekly: What technical stuff will you do to make data available for mobiles?  < -- huh?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:54:43+00:00 TBL & Shadbolt answering, but I've lost the plot  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:55:44+00:00 TBL explaining to computer weekly that websites work on mobiles
2010-01-21T16:56:08+00:00 Question: How will you make sure that data remain up to date?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:57:59+00:00 TBL talking about having a common language. I think I missed something.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:59:32+00:00 TBL: How's it going to happen that things get linked together?  Interested people will define vocabs. But this takes time #datagovuk
2010-01-21T16:59:50+00:00 TBL: you only do it as the need arises. Doesn't work if it's done by command #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:01:21+00:00 Question: Can we have an update on postcode datasets and what'll be released?
2010-01-21T17:01:51+00:00 Shadbolt: Problem -- we don't have a definitive address register. We need one. Contractual issues are complex.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:02:32+00:00 Allan: When postcodes are allocated they should be published. Immediately.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:03:09+00:00 Allan: Rallying cry: write to your MPs. Continuously. Until they do something.  http://bit.ly/7K8A5f  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:03:47+00:00 Question: Are there issues around data literacy in the general population? How do we interpret for ourselves?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:04:17+00:00 @openlylocal: Local data helps in this respect. (I think because it's more interesting to most people?)  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:05:11+00:00 @openlylocal: We need open data so we can detect spin and expose it with superior arguments.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:06:00+00:00 TBL: This is a good point. [paraphrase: we need people to be statistically literate]  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:06:14+00:00 TBl: Hopefully more data = more stuff = more familiarity  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:08:24+00:00 TBL:  example of good use of mapping data recently. Nonprofit used map to show water company was discriminating against black ppl #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:08:55+00:00 Shadbolt: Has often heard the excuse from government "But people will interpret our data in different ways"  -- oldie but goodie #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:10:22+00:00 @dempseyo Emma says phone died and launch overrunning, will be home asap
2010-01-21T17:11:18+00:00 TBL: The next phase is important. Spreading the word. Teaching.  We still need to explain to gov what to do and how #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:12:03+00:00 TBL: Must spread best practices. Not a huge amount to be learned. Just some key points. Then the communty can take over  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:12:59+00:00 Question: Exiting that we have this data but no promises that time-sensitive data is on the way, Complex but so important.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:13:24+00:00 How should we push this forward? (Q from @jaggeree)  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:13:47+00:00 Shadbolt: Yes. Time and space so important. Timetabling stuff in particular. It's a cause to get agitated about.
2010-01-21T17:14:57+00:00 TBL: We need a change of ethos. In the US, TV listings  are proprietary. Not reusable. Considered to be valuable and commercial  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:15:16+00:00 TBL: Contrast to Sky TV, who say Duh? Of course it's public? How else would people know what's on?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:16:22+00:00 TBL: Competetive disclosure. Others release, so you do. Your business is operating a TV channel, not selling schedule data.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:17:27+00:00 Question: Would gov run more efficiently if it exploited data more effectively?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:18:03+00:00 Allan: yes! Example: TheyWorkForYou and Parliament. No doubt that Parliament have improved their site b/c of TWFY's example  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:18:29+00:00 Allan: Lots of people in Government are realising that they can learn from external efforts. Learn and get better -- not co-opt #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:19:01+00:00 Allan: Also there's a large international component. [Paraphrase: Hey! I want that American app for the UK!]  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:19:57+00:00 TBL: Often, you call the phone company and they use their own public website to answer your problem.
2010-01-21T17:20:16+00:00 TBL: Sam for data. Put it out and external people will use it. Then internal people will realise value and use it  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:20:55+00:00 @wendyg Yup. At least, according to TBL!
2010-01-21T17:22:11+00:00 @openlylocal: There are markets that only exist because government is so bad at publishing information.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:22:35+00:00 @openlylocal The amount of duplication between local authorities is huge. So much benefit if they published and shared.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:22:52+00:00 @openlylocal But entrenched businesses will think this a threat and try to block it  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:23:27+00:00 Question: If data is excluded, how will we know? Will the site say so?
2010-01-21T17:23:41+00:00 TBL: Can't tell you (cue much laughter)
2010-01-21T17:24:29+00:00 Shadbolt: Many reasons something might not be published. Could be sensitive. Or just crap. But yes, that needs to be transparent  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:25:00+00:00 Shadbolt: guiding principle -- if something is generated, it should be published. We must move from "Why?" to "Why not?"  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:25:43+00:00 TBL: We should publish squiffy data with disclaimers, and people should respect the disclaimers when they make things  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:27:30+00:00 @brianhoadley: What about content? Esp on Directgov and NHS choices. How should we treat that in the context of data.gov.uk?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:28:52+00:00 Shadbolt: Good point.  It needs some thinking about. Where does data end and unstructured content begin?  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:30:53+00:00 TBL: By this time next year, if you pick an arbitrary dataset, there'll be >50% chance that it's published & online (Ambitious!)  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:32:04+00:00 Chair thanking the panel  and developers #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:32:44+00:00 Emma made me stand up.
2010-01-21T17:33:06+00:00 Chair: And finally... I'd like to thank the Government.  #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:35:22+00:00 Mike Bracken: This day has taken long time 2 come, & we should thank all that mde it happen. (I'm looking at you, @smagdali & co) #datagovuk
2010-01-21T17:36:19+00:00 And that's it from me. Thanks to all! #datagovuk