Today I started analyzing responses from a pre-survey for a Linked Open Data workshop that we are conducting this Wednesday (before you even ask, we’re full). The responses to one question “What benefits of linked open data are you aware of?” elicited some great responses, including one person who said that linked open data “will make my hair more glossy and attractive.” As awesome as that response is on its face, it also – perhaps subversively – pokes fun at the limitless potential and promises of linked open data.

More common responses included broader access, increased searchability, and better visibility of data. Personally, I’ve been tantalized in the past at the promise of semantic web capabilities and improved disambiguation between objects/people with the same name. Better hair aside, what does linked open data mean to you?