We are talking about server DB issues, not client side, so here are my
comments about that:
The central database scheme is not the problem. The problem with the CDDB
fiasco is that the company retained ownership and control over the DB, so
it was able to restrict access to it as it did.
I think that if someone reputable steps forward to provide a central
database with a legally binding license and affirmation to keep the database
and its derivatives "Open-DB," it will be enough.
So, I propose this idea. Set up a central submit-only server under this
binding license, perhaps with a backup submit-only server elsewhere. More
than two or three should be unnecessary. Then find volunteers who are
willing to mirror the entire DB on a regular basis or a delta update on
demand and provide read-only access to the rest of the world.
Sychronizing a couple of submit-only servers is a lot simpler than trying
to synchronize dozens.
Of course, the user is free to specify any DB s/he chooses, including a
personal ring of DB's shared among friends.
To increase the chances of successful submission, enforce clients to submit
any new entries to all existing submit-only servers.
--
Dave Ahn <ahn nospam at vec.wfubmc.edu> | "When you were born, you cried and the
| world rejoiced. Try to live your life
Virtual Endoscopy Center | so that when you die, you will rejoice
Wake Forest Univ. School of Medicine | and the world will cry." -1/2 jj^2