Cool URIs Don't Change (1998)
The link to Tim Berners-Lee's foundational 1998 W3C article 'Cool URIs Don't Change' currently directs users to an unexpected security verification page. This situation presents a peculiar irony, given the article's advocacy for stable and accessible web identifiers. It resonates on HN as a practical illustration of the constant tension between web's core principles and modern security challenges, impacting even the most canonical of resources.
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#3
Highest Rank
13h
on Front Page
First Seen
Aug 9, 4:00 PM
Last Seen
Aug 10, 4:00 AM
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The Lowdown
This story, ironically titled 'Cool URIs Don't Change,' actually points to the modern-day challenge of accessing foundational web documents. Instead of the expected 1998 W3C article by Tim Berners-Lee, visitors are greeted by a security verification gateway.
- Upon navigating to the provided URL (w3.org/Provider/Style/URI), users encounter a 'Just a moment...' loading screen.
- The page explicitly states it is 'Performing security verification' to 'protect against malicious bots.'
- This security service acts as a barrier, preventing immediate access to the intended historical document. This scenario unexpectedly highlights how even venerable web resources, advocating for persistence and accessibility, are now subject to the pervasive security measures designed to combat bots, inadvertently creating friction for human users seeking foundational knowledge.