What is an Attention Profile?

An Attention Profile is a list of the topics and sources you are interested in, and a value representing your level of interest in them.

What can you do with an Attention Profile/APML file?

Anything you like. It is an open, free standard that you can use in all sorts of magical ways. We are still discovering interesting uses for HTML, RSS and OPML - innovation is the name of the game. Refer to the \\47Usage Scenarios\\47 on the www.apml.org site for some initial ideas. You can read a great writeup about APML and it\\47s uses and backstory on this post by Michael Pick. 

Why would I want to support APML?

Because we live in an era of open interoperability and user rights on the web. If you don\\47t support your user\\47s right to choose and take control of their own Attention Data, they will move to a tool that does. Read more about it in this post.

Who owns APML?

No one - It is a community effort for anyone to use. The initiative was started by Faraday Media.

Who's involved with APML?

A list of participants is on the APML.org site. To join the workgroup please contact us with your qualifications. Members of the general public are invited to join the mailing list (right column of the APML site) or blog to provide feedback. 

How does APML differ from Attention.XML

Attention.XML stores a complete history of your clickstream. Attention.XML is effectively a form of \\47Attention Data\\47. There are all sorts of Attention data out there including RSS, OPML, Bookmarks and more. Attention Data, however, can be converted into a derived set of interests. An Attention Profile. APML is only interested in your Attention Profile.

What does the Specification Look like?

Refer to the draft specification. Feel free to make suggestions. 

Who else has already implemented APML?

Refer to the bottom of the APML spec wiki to see a list of implementations.

What about the Privacy Concerns?

APML is only an XML file format. Privacy concerns are typically delt with by the Tool or Service that creates or consumes the 

Where can I get some source code?

You can get the open source libraries to open and manipulate APML at the Google Code repository.

How would I show my users that my service supports APML?

You can use a number of graphics and buttons to link to a user\\46#39;s APML file and show your APML support in your site footer. Here are some graphics you can use or create your own!

How do I get started using APML?

Refer to the bottom of the APML spec wiki to see a list of implementations. Or read the spec and make your own APML based tool!

How can I join the conversation?

Members of the general public are invited to join the APML Google Group. Stay up-to-date with news on the blog.

To join the formal specification process, apply to join the APML Workgroup - To apply please contact us with your qualifications. 

My question is not answered here... why are you ignoring me?

Please ask your question in the discussions forum and the community will help you out!