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A Web annotation is an online-annotation associated with a web resource (typically a web page). By using a Web annotation system a user can add, modify or remove information from a Web resource without actually modifying the resource itself.
The annotations can be thought of as being applied on a layer on top of the existing resource. Any particular annotation layer is visible to users who share the same annotation system and can remain transparent to all others.
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How Web annotations work
In Annozilla web annotations are stored as RDF on a server, using XPointer to identify the region of the Web document being annotated.
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Uses of Web annotations
A Web annotation system is a type of social software tool and a basis for the semantic Web.
Annotations can be used, for example:
to rate a Web resource (by its usefulness, user-friendliness, suitability for viewing by minors)
to improve or adapt its contents by adding/removing material
as a collaborative tool: e.g. to discuss the contents of a certain resource
as a medium of artistic or social criticism, by allowing Web users to reinterpret, enrich or protest against institution or ideas that appear on the Web
Web annotations have the potential of transforming the whole Web into a Wiki by allowing at least virtual (and therefore unlimited and concurrent/alternative) editing of any Web resource.
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Web annotation systems
Web annotation systems are being developed as part of standard web browsers. Those currently under development include:
Diigo for highlighting text & posting sticky notes on webpages
World Forum for all browsers (except Safari and MSIE for Mac). Creates a discussion forum on any homepage, document or ftp site. No plugin required. Client-side use JavaScript only.
E-Marked Fully featured easy to use commercial system.
Annosource: A prototype application based on an annotation server to customise content to match individual user’s needs, preferences and interests. Currently under development at La Trobe University, Australia.
Marginalia Adds text highlighting and margin note capabilities to web applications. Open sourced and JavaScript-based; works with Firefox and Internet Explorer (no plug-in required).
YAWAS Yet Another Web Annotation System. Light-weight, JavaScript, IE-specific but has been ported to Firefox.
Doodle Remote Tagging, Storage, Retrieval and Display of User Annotations within a Browser Environment. This is a toolbar for firefox browser.
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See also
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