Loic Le Meur totally nailed why glue matters in his post My social map is totally decentralized but I want it back on my blog. Following is the defining image from Loic’s notebook.
I’m not sure the answer (I want it back on my blog) is correct, but we are in the middle of yet another massive decentralization of data – this time very personal. Loic’s identity and content is spread all over the web (as is mine.) He wants it back in one place – one that belongs to him.
If we only had 10 web services participating in this grand decentralization of Loic, it would be no big deal. But there are now thousands – all which want to be able to play with all the others. With each new unit of data, and each new service, it gets a little messier (and a little more fun.)