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Subject: Re: scraped data - could you run an apps contest on it?
From: John Geraci <ger...@gmail.com>
To: Apps for Everywhere <apps-for-everywhere@googlegroups.com>
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Mariano - I think your input here actually makes a strong case for
doing a contest focused on scraped data, as opposed to looking for
gov's to open up their data.

My feeling is that if we were to hold such a contest, scrape the data,
throw it into Scraper Wiki, and build apps on that, that could really
highlight the utility of these kinds of apps/products and move the
ball forward for opening up data in cities like Buenos Aires.

As things stand right now, the govt there is indifferent/hostile
toward opening up data.  A contest based on scraped data could
generate a lot of local interest in opening up data, and might start a
conversation there about the benefits of open data.  At least amongst
the public, if not amongst the government.  But that's the first step.

The big question for me is not "is the government open to these kinds
of things" but are the coders in these cities ready to focus on this?
Is there an awareness among local developers/hackers about this kind
of thing, and would they participate in a contest, or would they be
indifferent?

David E. said he thinks developers around the world will be ready in a
year.  I believe that if you throw a big contest and generate a lot of
noise about it, you can accelerate that process, making everyone more
aware about civic hacking, and get them ready in a couple of months.



On Dec 8, 3:03=A0pm, "@marianogoren" <marianogo...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Here in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the government does not agree in our
> perspective of open data. I've had a meeting with some representants
> of the digital reporting system of the city. The idea was to introduce
> seeclickfix, but their demand was a system with limited functionality
> and closed. I think that the confrontative state of politics in here
> makes the project unviable.
>
> Maybe we should think in other way of work with third world cities,
> but I can't figure exactly how =3D)
>
> cheers,