Yesterday, ReadWriteWeb posted a story titled Data.gov to Face a Challenger From Sunlight Labs in regards to our kickoff of the National Data Catalog. I’ve actually been asked a few times questions along the same lines: “Does this mean you’re giving up on Data.gov?”

Ask OpenSecrets if they’ve given up on the FEC or ask Weather.com if they’ve given up on the National Weather Service. The answer is quite the opposite: we’re only able to do the catalog because of Data.gov. Without it, Government wouldn’t be investing in and publishing its own data to add to our catalog. We’re doing what you’re supposed to: build on the shoulders of giants.

In addition, this project, like Apps for America 2, helps to ensure the success and longevity of Data.gov. And who knows, maybe we can help influence the features and functionality of Data.gov while we’re on the way.