Wednesday, November 24, 2010

CFATS FAQ Dataset Updated

On Sunday I noted that DHS had not updated their downloadable file containing a complete list of their frequently asked questions (FAQ) when they updated the responses to two of those questions. Yesterday afternoon I downloaded that data set again and it did include the updated responses. There is still no obvious way of knowing that you have the most up-to-date version of that data set (I still am resorting to including the date of download in the file name when I save the data set).

Once again I applaud DHS publishing this list, but they have set themselves up for complaints of this sort. I understand that the updating of this document is an added complication for their Help Desk people, but once you establish the document as being publicly available, you have a responsibility to keep it current.

A suggestion; add an ‘Updated on’ date to the download link on the CFATS Knowledge Center page. Then I would update the file on a scheduled basis after any changes are made to any of the underlying questions.

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