User talk:Elbie/UDLS Talk

Taken from Talk:Vancouver

Hey all! I've been invited to give a one-hour talk at the Computer Science Un-Distinguished Lecture Series, and I've decided to do it on geohashing. Does anybody have any ideas for what I should include? Fun stories? Favourite expeditions? Favourite photos? Favourite achievements? Let me know! - Elbie 00:25, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

I think the big question to ask is 'Why?' Why would a group of people do such a crazy thing? If you don't focus on that question it'll rattle in people's heads anyway. - Wmcduff 02:53, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

On <Date> seven people left their houses to converge on a tree in metro Vancouver. That sounds more impressive than it is, because about fifty people have converged on this room today. But this tree was chosen, psuedo-randomly by the internet.

This would be an excellent quote to start it with, I think. Get their attention, instead of "today I'm going to talk about..." -- Rhonda 22:13, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Robyn's ideas for this

This is very oool. We'll have to nominate you for a special gratuitous ribbon for publicizing the sport!

My favourite part about geohashing is that the people you meet are a guaranteed to be adventurous enough to just go somewhere, friendly enough to want to do it to meet people, and geeky enough to see the appeal. It's a self-selected group of the most amazing people I could find anywhere.

Get across the feeling of utter triumph you feel having reached a totally anonymous spot in the middle of nowhere, just because the internet told you to.

Definitely show photos. Here are some of my favourites:

• 

  capturing an airplane

• 

  on top of a cliff

Sorry, hotel internet is so excruciatingly slow that I can't look at any more photos. How about a kayak photo, a one person in the middle of nowhere photo, some big urban group photos, an amazing scenic vista, a field or two, the most boring building you can find, some snow photos, a formal, a picnic, some Florida swamp photos, and maybe a boring GPS shot or two. Make sure there's a trademarked stupid grin taken by someone with a camera held at arm's length. You could get all of that from Vancouver alone, but get one from every continent if you can.

"the most boring building you can find"... I am reminded of the 1337 gas pump photo... see how many people get it :-) -- Rhonda 22:28, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

In addition to the Geohashing Dat 2008 xkcd comic, show the one where the two geeks flaming at their keyboards are forced to come face to face, and the "lets put our birthdays in the GPS and go there and make out" one.

Make sure you get across the credo that it's the adventure, not coordinates at any cost, and that we don't trample crops or go onto "posted" private property without permission. Srs0's recent accident is on my mind. If the talk is covered in the campus press, make sure to bring us a copy for your Media Attention ribbon.

I'm not sure exactly what Robyn meant by "on my mind", but about srs0 and piguy -- they upped and moved from Canada to a European country which has a different language and within hours were enjoying cycling around the countryside, seeing new places and meeting people. Because of geohashing. I'm sure they could have done it without, but I'm also sure it helped. It's a good way to get out, explore and meet people, and I think that's an important point. Many people may think about going on one geohashing expedition because it's something new, but to convince them to continue hashing it's important to stress other aspects. I'll shut up now. -- Benjw 21:17, 7 June 2009 (UTC)

Indeed, if the accident had happened, say, while he was on the edge of a cliff trying to get a GPS photo a foot over the edge, that would be one thing. Going off a bike trail can happen while commuting. It's still worth mentioning that doing dangerous or illegal things is not what the sport is about, but not in the context of srs0's accident. -- Rhonda 22:20, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

This is all written in the imperative mood, but isn't meant to be ordering you around. It just came out that way Pretend it's in the subjunctive. -Robyn 03:21, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for the input! This is what I have so far (rough first draft, incomplete): http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~patitsas/geohashing/udls_geohashing.pdf (I use Linux, and Google Docs wouldn't cooperate with that. The transportation slide is set up so a picture of each of those listed methods is shown.) Seeing your input now, I'll definitely go find some nice stunning British Columbian vistas to add, and the one of you guys on Gambier. I'm trying to focus the presentation on local, recent geohashes, to show that the sport is active in the area. And because I like to stick to the 'write what you know' advice.

I can't get the PDF to load. I'm sure it's good. -Robyn 07:39, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

The CS webservers were apparently down last night; they're up again. Anyway, here's basically what I have in there:

• the comic, followed by an explanation of how and when coordinates are generated, why you'd go to them
• maps of the Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria graticules with info about them, and then the map of Seattle for comparison
• some stats
• most common forms of transportation in our graticule, with pictures (e.g. Rhonda with kayak waiting for bus, the two kayaks on thepiguy's car, a photo from a plane you were flying)
• the meetup graph and some group shots in our area
• a slide on activities we do at hashes, and photos (playing board games, twister, picnics, etc)
• a slide on achievements with examples and accompanying photos
• what you do after a hash: reports on the wiki, with links to some recent ones in the area that I would go over during the talk
• instructions on how to become a Vancouver geohasher

It's currently lacking a good sort of ending. Anyway, I'll work on it more today and put up a newer draft when available. - Elbie 15:52, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

It would be great if that day's geohash were someplace accessible such that you pick up your knapsack and go there, inviting anyone who is curious to come with you. Too bad we can't somehow bribe the algorithm. I might end with grand overblown predictions for the future of geohashing: when we have 100 people and rent a party boat for a formal attire water geohash, when we have 800 people and charter a cruise ship across the Pacific to get as many geohashes as we can on the way to Hawaii, when people charter a helicopter to get that coveted "first" ribbon. :-) -Robyn 17:44, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

I found the slides with multiple photos appearing on a timer to be too fast - I didn't get a good view of what they were showing, by the time they'd been covered. Maybe it was just the pdf and the timing is controlled by you during the talk, in which case no problem.

Sounds like it was just the pdf. The timing is determined by mouse-clicks. - Elbie 22:18, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

You're right about the lack of ending. How long is the whole presentation?. I reread and see that it's an hour. Three minutes a slide is a normal pace, so you've got it about right. Vancouver rocks. :-) -Robyn 22:25, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

A GPS can be acquired much more cheaply if you're willing to go with old models. My clunker is pretty huge, but acquire for $20 off of eBay. - Wmcduff 23:15, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

A new draft

• http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~patitsas/geohashing/udls_geohashing_draft2.pdf (updated again, - Elbie 16:26, 11 June 2009 (UTC))

I reorganised slides, took stuff out and added new stuff. It's not animated, so you won't be able to see all photos; sorry! I still feel the ending is rather weak, and would love some feedback on what to add or reorganise to strengthen that. - Elbie 01:13, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Nice. I like the title on slide 4 :-)

In slide 5, I think putting the word "graticule", maybe in parentheses, in the first point, would be good. That's a pretty normal way to work definitions into the flow of a text. E.g., "A coordinate is generated for every day for every one degree by one degree rectangle (graticule)" Also, why 6:30 AM? Market open time. Doesn't hurt to reinforce the algorithm slide.

In slide 10, "And so we have our methods" seems a bit awkward to me. Just dropping "and so" would work.

In slide 21, the links look like they're cut off at the end (just a pdf thing?) Also, share stories and photos. Photos are encouraged.

Slide 23, there's also an iPhone app.

You could also make one last slide the day of, showing where that day's point is, and having some comment about it no matter where it is - either "this is a three day hike" or "want to come?" depending on what you get... It could make for a more interesting ending, being current. -- Rhonda 02:27, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Ooh, I really like your idea for the end. Thanks for all the input; I've added it and updated the pdf up there. As or the sharing stories, that I something I definitely have planned as I go through the slides, and I will be stopping at slide 21 to specifically go over some expeditions. - Elbie 03:56, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Very nice, I'd love to come but it's a little far for me. Could you try to make a video of your talk?

A little help/criticism:

• Slide 14: You give the number of Vancouver geohashers as 27, but most of them haven't been active for months. If you do that for psychological reasons, that's okay, but people will notice if they visit the wiki. BTW, total number of users on the wiki is 2595, but most of them are inactive.
• ">196" sounds suspicious, like in "there are 197, but I'll say >196 so it sounds more impressive"; Perhaps you should write >200 instead.
• There is a new version of the meetup graph (with more links after our epic waterhash expedition).
• You should plan this weekend's expeditions together with Rhonda, Robyn and the others before you do the talk, so that you can say "We will be waiting for you Saturday 4pm" or "We'll meet at X and then continue to the hashpoint together, bring your own bike/kayak/whatever".

I hope the talk goes well, and that you can corrupt more people to geohashing. - Danatar 08:54, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for the input and best wishes! I've changed "active geohashers" to "registered geohashers" on Slide 14, and ditched the >. I was planning to mention during the slide how many are now inactive, as well as ninja geohashers. I updated the meet-up graph; the changes are now up at the URL above. Also, for the weekend, I already have plans for parts of Saturday, and some of Sunday, so I have my doubts that I can go geohashing if no points fall within the GVRD. However, if other Vancouver geohashers make plans for the weekend and let me know about it in time, it will surely be included. - Elbie 16:26, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

About "sharing stories and photos", I was referring to the text on the page - that it should include the words "and photos". Glad to hear you were going to tell some stories.

What time is your talk scheduled for, and where exactly? I'm tempted to come watch :-)

I like the new version. Here's hoping you'll have something interesting for one of the weekend days to put on the last two slides! -- Rhonda 15:00, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Ah, I see; I added "and photos," thanks! The talk is scheduled for Friday at 17:30, in the 8th floor boardroom at the CS Building, and you (or anybody else) is welcome to come! - Elbie 16:26, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Presentation look great! I wish I could go! I love the "Welcome to 49 -123" slide, it's so ominous! Poor souls, they don't know what they're getting into! Thepiguy 19:03, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

I wish I could go as well. If they film it and post it on the web (as is sometimes done), you will have to give us a link! Good luck! --aperfectring 19:16, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Props?

I was going to bring my GPS to the talk, but I haven't decided what else would be worth bringing. My bike? Kayak? Any ideas? - Elbie

A game? Juggling balls? -- Rhonda 18:19, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

I think you have to bring the inflatible kayak because people just don't think of going that far without help. What's next after this? Global News BC? :) - Wmcduff 23:16, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Abstract

The abstract for the talk is due tonight. This is what I currently have for it (credit to Shell for the opening line): How would you like to go on quests and earn achievements, even loot... IN REAL LIFE? Learn how to use the MD5 hash algorithm and the Dow Jones Index to generate adventure, to explore beautiful British Columbian landscapes and meet interesting people, and hear stories from those who've done it.

What kind of picture would a non-geohasher have in his head on hearing the word "achievement"? Since I'm not a native speaker I'm not sure, but according to my dictionary it would probably lead them into another direction. Perhaps you should use another word (something like prize, virtual medal, shiny ribbon... I use "extra points" when telling it to my friends). - Danatar 17:06, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Achievement would work for the gaming crowd, but outside that segment, I don't know how appropriate it is. The opening line itself kind of implies RPGs, so I think it is fine as is. I am not so sure about the "even loot" part of it. We try to convince people not to disturb the hashpoint and surrounding area. The only way that part really applies is if you go geocaching as well. Overall, though, I think the abstract is great! Good luck with the talk! --aperfectring 17:27, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

The talk is for a CS grad student crowd, so they will be familiar with gaming terms. I agree about the iffyness of the "loot" part, but I have been unintentionally gathering little souvenirs from my hashes (the golf ball I bought for my golf geohash, for example). I want the opening to appeal to my audience, and they do like collecting shiny objects. Does anybody have any ideas for a substitute to the loot bit that would be more correct but keep with the theme? - Elbie 18:08, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Geohashers do tend to collect things - ask Robyn about the contents of her geohashing bag some time :-)

I would take out the "loot" bit even if you can't find anything good to put in its place though; I think it gives the wrong impression. I'm afraid I'm not a gamer so I can't suggest anything really appropriate, but is there some way to mention meeting other adventurers in that first sentence, beyond your mention of quests? (I like "quests", nice feel to that one.) -- Rhonda 18:18, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

While thinking on it, I came up with a silly answer, but one that wouldn't really be good. Continuing with the RPG theme: "even visit quint country shops with overpriced useless trinkets" =P. Maybe this for a real answer: "go on quests, earn achievements, and even meet other adventurers..."? --aperfectring 18:30, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Yeah, meeting other adventurers should do the trick. Or how about we bump it up to something like "and even play board games with other adventurers" or "and even solve puzzles with other adventures"? - Elbie 18:34, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

All of them sound good. I would say you pick the one that you most identify with, since it IS your presentation. --aperfectring 18:56, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

"Some people play video games to gain a sense of achievement (screencap: TF2 Achievements ), but I can get them in real life"

Gamers in the crowd might appreciate this, especially if they've played anything on steam, which has a built-in achievements engine --Xore 18:36, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

I sent in the abstract: How would you like to go on quests and earn achievements... IN REAL LIFE? Learn how to use the MD5 hash algorithm and the Dow Jones Index to generate adventure, to explore beautiful British Columbian landscapes, get exercise, earn nerd-cred, and meet interesting people; and hear tales from those who've done it. Details on the mechanics of geohashing and its community, and what goes on in our region. - Elbie 01:50, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

Typo

Misspelled travelling on slide 11.

I also would leave the Sex achievement off the list on slide 19, so that people aren't looking at it and thinking "What?" instead of listening to you. You could mention it out loud when you get there. This should be hosted somewhere that it can be permanently linked from the graticule page. -Robyn 19:16, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Fixed the typo, and replaced the sex with hashcarding. Thanks! Also, this will be hosted on the UDLS website after the talk, and I will probably leave it up on my website too. - Elbie 19:54, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Error on file

I get a "the file is broken and could not be repaired" error when I try to open the PDF now. --aperfectring 20:31, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Me too. -Robyn 20:38, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

Seems to work for me now -- Rhonda 21:41, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

It's working for me. Maybe you were trying to access it while I was uploading a new version? - Elbie 01:49, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

Video!

Does anybody have a digital video camera we can record this with? -- Rhonda 21:41, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

I have a digital camera that can record video. Not sure I can make it to the talk any earlier than 6:30ish though, how long will the talk last? --Xore 22:58, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

I have no video camera. The talk should be ending around 18:00, and questions may or may not last until 18:20. - Elbie 01:11, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

If for no other reason, would you consider giving your presentation just for the camera (and promo on the wiki) at a later time? I think it would be a good intro we could have for new users. --aperfectring 01:39, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

If you don't mind it, you can post your video to YouTube. --aperfectring 11:56, 13 June 2009 (UTC)

Designated Alternate on Saturday/Sunday

Being proactive here -- if the coordinates for this weekend suck, who is up for a designated alternate? How about either at/before/around/etc Car Free Vancouver Day at Commercial Drive on Sunday? I think a fair fraction of my audience will be planning to go there anyway, and it will be an easy first step for many of them. - Elbie 01:55, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

How about mark the CS building as the alternate for Friday? (or at least post the coordinates, or the address) Google isn't much help, I'm not sure if the one you mean is LSK or ICICS or something else entirely... lots of results for a google search for "computer science building, UBC" -- Rhonda 19:58, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

(I am dumb, if I had looked on the UDLS page I would have seen it was ICICS, on Agronomy Rd. between main mall and east mall.) http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?locat1=166 -- Rhonda 20:06, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

Good thinking; I've put an alternate there. - Elbie 20:24, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

Put the talk on the talk page for the expedition report for the talk, too. I want to hear all about it! -Robyn 04:59, 13 June 2009 (UTC)