[Data-modeling] Current heads of state

[Ed Laurent]

I still lean towards a simpler model with start and end dates that can be
used to infer whether something is current or not but I also see the value
of this denormalization. An empty "current head of state" would be easy to
find for the initial data entry. However, I don't think it is any more
useful in the long term unless someone keeps on top dynamic topic
properties. Even then, the denormalization could make for really clunky data
entry unless there was a way to automatically update both the current and
historical properties when changes occur. Empty fields and a lack of
updating can throw a monkey wrench into either approach.

-Ed

On Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 5:53 PM, Jeff Prucher <jeff at metaweb.com> wrote:

> There's a discussion thread started by user joguinn on the /location type
> that I'd like to get more input on. The original thread is here:
> <
> http://www.freebase.com/discuss/threads/location#/guid/9202a8c04000641f8000
> 0000086ea1f8<http://www.freebase.com/discuss/threads/location#/guid/9202a8c04000641f80000000086ea1f8>>
>  (it's the last few comments in the thread "City Parks/Golf
> Courses").
>
> The request is to include a property for "current head of state" on the
> type
> Country. This would be a partial denormalization of the Governing Officials
> property on the Governmental Jurisdiction type, but consistent with a
> pattern that we've seen several times lately.  It would also have some
> additional semantic value, since we have no way in the current model to
> assert that any particular office represents the head of state.  The reason
> I'm bringing it up here is that I can imagine this snowballing into a slew
> of "Current X" properties on various location types ("Current Mayor",
> "Current Legislators", "Current Insurance Commissioner", etc.) and I'd like
> to hear what people think about either the proposed property as it stands,
> or the potential proliferation of similar properties.
>
> Thanks,
> Jeff
>
>
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