[Data-modeling] Current heads of state

[Jeff Prucher]

That is definitely the problem with this kind of denormalization. That said,
how would you propose identifying heads of state using the current model
(which does include start/end dates)?  The only ways I can think of to do it
are with a boolean "Is Head of State?" property on the "Government office or
title" property, or a property-less type called "Head of State" that would
be co-typed with the appropriate instances of "Government office or title",
neither of which I find particularly appealing.
 
Jeff


  _____  

From: data-modeling-bounces at freebase.com
[mailto:data-modeling-bounces at freebase.com] On Behalf Of Ed Laurent
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 3:35 PM
To: Freebase data modeling mailing list
Subject: Re: [Data-modeling] Current heads of state


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
<http://www.freebase.com/discuss/threads/location#/guid/9202a8c04000641f8000
0000086ea1f8> 
0000086ea1f8>  (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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