I spent the past few days at a conference called #Ordcamp, which was held at Google’s offices in Chicago. It was one of those conferences where the sessions aren’t solidified ahead of time and there are people roaming around from every conceivable field. I met a freestyle rap artist, a professional juggler, a dictionary editor, a man who makes really complex puzzles for a living, several board game developers, food scientists, an astrophysicist, the guy who used to be in charge of Google Search, a lock maker, and a city planner who is thinking about moving people around Los Angeles more effectively. My brain is full.
Over the course of the weekend, I learned about several neat projects that already exist, that I hadn’t known about before the conference. Here are they, in no particular order.
The Chooseatron
The Chooseatron creates a choose-you-own-adventure story from different options you select. I chose to write a story called John Stamos. There are many options and many choices, and you receive a printed out version of the story you choose. I liked that this was both a digital and analog experience.
Bots Bots Bots
@tinysubversons makes bots and led a session on bots. Here is a community-created resource he shared on how to make your own bot, if you’re so inclined. Here is a list of bots that he has created. My favorite bot was @twoheadlines, which mashes up headlines from two different news articles (and here’s a piece on how it works.)
Bartendro
Bartendro is a robot that replaces pouring a mixed drink with your hands. I don’t really drink but thought it was clever.
Other Stuff I Came Across This Week, Including Articles
Computers Are Learning to Read Emotion, and the Business World Can’t Wait (newyorker.com)
The Only Known Copy of Virginia Woolf’s Voice (youtube.com)
No Revolution Without Reflection (medium.com)