> Only recently have the govies started thinking about how their data can be useful to the general public
The problem is that they can't anticipate how their data is most useful. Release and let the users decide.
> But I hope one day, after many iterations of API building, we'll get to a point where the data truly is transparent.
So, we should wait many years while, predictably, large budgets are blown on faltering "government innovation" projects, when we could just have the data and use it today?
LOL I think we both want the same thing. I'm just being realistic. I highly doubt you'll get all the data you really want, this year or next. Federal agencies have a hard time releasing data quickly. Too many checks and balances, too many people blocking, too many lawyers and unions, too many politicians.
The problem is that they can't anticipate how their data is most useful. Release and let the users decide.
> But I hope one day, after many iterations of API building, we'll get to a point where the data truly is transparent.
So, we should wait many years while, predictably, large budgets are blown on faltering "government innovation" projects, when we could just have the data and use it today?
This just doesn't make sense!