I've been thinking about how cool it would be if we could categorize internet domains in the same way the Dewey Decimal System categorizes books. Such a system would allow independent search engines and directories to compete with Google again.

We live in a time where you can spin up as many VPSs as you need. Where data can be distributed in all sorts of ways, among those machines. And on the cusp of the fastest processing power in history (quantum).

I'm honestly looking for a discussion on extending this:

https://github.com/ki4jgt/Open-Catalog-System/blob/main/OCS.json

It's a taxonomy for classifying and grouping domains of similar topics and interests (Facebook, Google, programming, YouTube, etc). As I cannot possibly think of all the subjects contained on the web, I would love some open discussion, here on Reddit -- if that's OK, on how you guys think this should be structured, what subjects you think are missing, and your general feedback on what would make it better.

For those of you who don't know, taxonomies are how we used to find information before Google. To find an atlas at your local library, you'd go to the Information desk, then the reference area (things you can look at in the library but can't check out), then the particular reference type you were looking for.

So, INF.REF.DIC would give you a bunch of dictionaries. Since you're looking for information (a definition), and need a reference, I thought it only fitting to keep the convention. In web terms, Webster, Cambridge, and Urban Dictionary would be listed here.

RFCs are listed under INF.COM.RFC because RFCs extend beyond programming, and are used in a wide range of communication and data formats.

The OCLC owns the Dewey Decimal System (WorldCat), and is lawsuit happy. They even sued someone for using the DDS in a themed party.

That demands an open system be created to take its place, lest we face the wrath of IP lawyers. Libraries aren't even allowed to use the DDS without paying a licensing fee first.

Their reach isn't limited to the US either. They have bodies all over the world, on every continent. And collect usage fees from all local libraries using WorldCat.

I've setup the issue tracker to allow you guys to suggest new categories, suggest moving categories into more appropriate locations, and to suggest name changes.

I will willingly put in the work, if you guys make some awesome cases in the issue tracker.

Thanks.

Bot?

Or copy paste

I would love some open discussion, here on Reddit

Do your homework. Libraries are all around the world and use alternatives to the Dewey system.

How will you gets sites to register while preventing spam sites from registering?

Yes and every other time I go to the library I get pissed off because my favorite author could be under Fantasy, SciFi or Crime ...

Hierarchical taxonomies always run into problems because there are multiple equally valid ways to organize things. Hierarchies are inherently a wrong-headed approach. Subjects are inherently multidimensional. Hierarchies wind up forcing you to stack categorization on different properties on different levels of the hierarchy and it winds up arbitrary which ones you preference over others.

The tendency to reach for hierarchies is a bias we inherit from life in the physical world. A physical object can only be in one place at a time, so we organise physical objects in hierarchies by necessity. Rooms, cabinets, drawers, files. This is not a necessary limitation on computer system but people keep insisting of using them anyway.