Abstract
Add two new rel values to link, allowing more expressive relations in entries.
Status
Active. Please direct discussion to the atom-syntax list.
Rationale
The current Atom Link values are not expressive enough for current uses.
See: There is No FAQ
Proposal
Keep a link with @rel value "alternate" mandatory, but allow a single link @rel value of "about" to also be present. Add an additional @rel value of "related" to allow links to additional resources.
This proposal is not advocating a particular syntax for Link Constructs. It uses the method specified in the current draft.
Atom Format
5.2 "atom:link" Element The "atom:link" element is a Link construct that conveys a URI associated with the entry. The nature of the relationship as well as the link itself is determined by the element's content. atom:entry elements MUST contain at least one atom:link element with a rel attribute value of "alternate". atom:entry elements MUST NOT contain more than one atom:link element with a rel attribute value of "alternate" that has the same type attribute value. atom:entry elements MUST NOT contain more than one atom:link element with a rel attribute value of "about" that has the same type attribute value. atom:entry elements MAY contain additional atom:link elements beyond those described above.
Atom Protocol
Add the following relations to the list of values allowed for atom:link @rel:
3.4.1 rel ... about: The URI in the href attribute points to a resource that is the topic of an entry. related: The URI in the href attribute points to a resource related to the entry.
Impacts
Atom format and protocol text.