> Then when the centralized registry decides it wants everyone to start using their real names, we're back to where we started.
Not really. Directory lookup should use a standardized API so that when one directory service goes rouge, clients can just switch to another they trust.
I do think that it's essential for this to be standardized. Not only for this reason, but clients/hosts shouldn't be forced with the responsibility of indexing the entire social web themselves.
If it's standardized with multiple providers then either a) you can't communicate with people who have switched to a different directory service or b) it's no longer centralized. :)
Not really. Directory lookup should use a standardized API so that when one directory service goes rouge, clients can just switch to another they trust.
I do think that it's essential for this to be standardized. Not only for this reason, but clients/hosts shouldn't be forced with the responsibility of indexing the entire social web themselves.