Some Desired Properties of Distributed Annotations
Appearance in situ: Appear as if part of document
Highly expressive: Varying grain size, meaning and function
Format independent: Let users use native authoring system; leverage features across formats
Extensible, yet composable: accommodate unique user styles, yet integrate seamlessly
Distributed and open: Annotate what you can view; share the result; no additional servers, data bases!
Robust in presence of change: Collaboration without coordination; realign refs when base changes
Platform Independent: of OS; from workstation to mobile pads