[OSM-talk] Why are POIs integrated in the map?

[mlerutte at tiscali.nl]

Maybe my understanding is wrong, but to me it seems that POIs are 
integrated in the map. I'd assume that POIs would have their own 
database and category, for example as in navigational systems like 
tomtom or as in POIEdit. What's the reason for not having a separate 
poi system? Doesn't the map get swamped with too many little details?

Maurice.