I really like this idea. For the most part, the implementation seems sound. I think I’ll be whipping up some Django code to implement it here. So if you comment on this site, make yourself a Pavatar. :) Via Matt.
Wouldn’t it make more sense to have avatars as an extension to the OpenID concept? I think having a completely separate server that handles another component of what is still your ID seems wasteful.
That was my first thought, as well. And the answer may be that yes, OpenID should also provide a “user profile,” with information like location, gender, age, and possibly even an avatar image — but I don’t think it does. I think OpenID, at least in its current incarnation, is for one thing, and one thing alone: authentication.
Beyond Authentication, the OpenID framework provides the means for users to share other components of their digital identity. By utilizing the emerging OpenID Attribute Exchange specification (see specs), users are able to clearly control what pieces of information can be shared by their Identity Provider, such as their name, address, or phone number.
It seems that in addition to authentication, it is intended to be a means to store profile information and exchange it with the web sites you authenticate with.
001 // Bradley Smith // 01.08.2007 // 9:40 AM
Wouldn’t it make more sense to have avatars as an extension to the OpenID concept? I think having a completely separate server that handles another component of what is still your ID seems wasteful.
002 // Jeff Croft // 01.09.2007 // 12:44 AM
Bradley-
That was my first thought, as well. And the answer may be that yes, OpenID should also provide a “user profile,” with information like location, gender, age, and possibly even an avatar image — but I don’t think it does. I think OpenID, at least in its current incarnation, is for one thing, and one thing alone: authentication.
But I could be wrong about that.
003 // Bradley Smith // 01.12.2007 // 7:31 PM
Jeff —
I found this on the OpenID web site:
It seems that in addition to authentication, it is intended to be a means to store profile information and exchange it with the web sites you authenticate with.