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From “OpenSocial or OpenGadget? - ReadWriteWeb“:

Steve O’Hear (who edits our digital lifestyle blog last100) has an interesting post on his ZDNet blog that questions whether Google’s OpenSocial initiative is at all about data portability, or if in fact it really just about widget standardization. O’Hear quotes heavily from a recent article by Marc Canter, who is a strong advocate for open standards and data portability, that ran on CNet.

I see the same issue with Facebook’s JS Client Library.

I love client-side technologies, but I’m increasingly thinking that the propagation of such libraries is calculated by the providers more in terms of securing data and activity custodianship, as an alternative to truly opening one’s data APIs, rather than with scalability and processing decentralization in mind, like some argue.

It’s not a bad thing by any stretch, but I’m not sure associating them with true openness and data portability is entirely appropriate.

From “JavaScript Client Library for Facebook API“:

This JavaScript client library allows you to make Facebook API calls from any web site and makes it easy to create Ajax Facebook applications. Since the library does not require any server-side code on your server, you can now create a Facebook application that can be hosted on any web site that serves static HTML.

Now let’s compare this to the Open Social API description:

OpenSocial provides a common set of APIs for social applications across multiple websites. With standard JavaScript and HTML, developers can create apps that access a social network’s friends and update feeds.

Is it just me or are others also thinking this is a missed opportunity for FB to take part in Open Social?

On the other hand, it could also lead to just that with what could be a simple wrapper to interconnect both ecosystems. That’s if FB decides not to go that way on their own and doesn’t expressly block such development through technical or legal means.

From “FBJS/Animation - Facebook Developers Wiki“:

FBJS exposes a powerful animation library which gives developers an easy way to improve their user interface with a line of two or code. All animations are CSS based, so a working knowledge of CSS will really help you out here. An open-source version of FBJS Animation that will work on pages outside of Facebook is available at: http://developers.facebook.com/animation/.

Via ReadWriteWeb and the Facebook Developer blog.

From Joe’s shout:

It’s 6PM on a Thursday night and I’m about ready to head over to the Open Web Awards presented by Mashables.com to celebrate Digg’s wins with a few of my fellow Diggers. The only downer is that we don’t have more Diggers to share the fruits of our labor with.

I went to San Francisco last June to meet with the Digg team, and I can certify that if you have the skills, already live in the area or are willing to move there, you MUST apply. It’s not just for show, this team really rocks!

Unfortunately (arguably), I can’t move to SF, family and all, so this one’s not for me.

As Stevey points out, Plank is looking for a creative and motivated LAMP developer to join the team. See below for the full cross-posted skinny, and pass the word if you know someone who might be interested.

Want to work in our growing Web agency with great people, great clients, and a great working environment? Of course you do!

Plank is actively looking to add to our Montreal-based team. Whether you’re completely self-taught or have multiple degrees in Computer Science, we’re only concerned that you have the skills needed to perform the job. We need someone who is interested in working on exciting Web projects, generally in the fields of entertainment, technology and social action.

Your tasks will include:

1. Development of website back-ends and interesting Web applications;
2. Building on and working with our existing code base.

Our Expectations
We’re looking for someone fun! But seriously, you should have the following:

• 2+ years of related experience;
• Strong background in PHP and MySQL;
• Experience in AJAX, DHTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, will be an asset;
• Knowledge of open-source CMS’s such as Drupal and WordPress will be an asset;
• Knowledge of open-source PHP frameworks such as CodeIgniter will be an asset;
• Willingness to work locally in our Montreal office.

We are a close-knit company that continues to grow, and we need your skills. We want you to be part of our team for a long time to come. We offer a competitive salary, normal business hours, a comprehensive health and dental plan, and a great work environment.

If you think you would like to be part of the Plank team, please email your CV and cover letter to warren@plankdesign.com. If you would like to learn more about us, please surf around http://www.plankdesign.com.

We hope you’ll join us.

Hours: Full-Time
This job is salaried.

You can also check out Warren’s video for a previously posted position if you’d like to get a feel for what Plank is all about.