Should you reveal a P = NP algorithm? by Lance Fortnow.
I think Lance captures the best topic map marketing strategy when he says:
Once again though no one will take you seriously unless you really have a working algorithm. If you just tell Google you have an algorithm for NP-complete problem they will just ignore you. If you hand them their private keys then they will listen. (emphasis added)
I can think of endless areas that I think would benefit from topic maps, but where foresight fails is in choosing an area and degree of granularity that would interest others.
A topic map about Justin Bieber would be useful in some sense but there sites that organize that data already. What degree of “better” would be required for data about a sulky Canadian to be successful?
Or take OMB data for example. You may remember my post: Free Sequester Data Here! where I list a series of post on converting OMB data into machine readable files and the issues with that data.
Apparently I was the only person in the United States who did not realize OMB reports are stylized fiction meant to serve political ends. The report in question had no connection to reality other than mostly getting department and program names correct.
Putting the question to you: What would make a good (doesn’t have to be great) demonstration of topic maps? One that would resonate with potential customers? BTW, you need to say why it would be a good demonstration of topic maps. In what respects are other resources in the area deficient and why would that deficiency drive someone to seek out topic maps?
I know that is a very broad question but it is an important one to ask and hopefully, to work towards a useful answer.