[6d0debc071]

As long as I can get the data, it's fine. What I'd be worried about would be if apps become the only way that an end user can get access to information about their environment. That would seem like a massive step backward for all that those applications, as part of a broader context, may enhance services.

[echochar]

Agree. The webmasters, app developers, are free to follow the trends and pursue whatever presentation and delivery mechanisms they like. But as a backup the bulk data needs to also be mirrored on at least one FTP server and available to the public in an open, accesible file format (e.g., CSV, SQL tables, XML, JSON, etc.).