this from Wolf, rendered in ascii, but some good ideas for inclusion by someone with a graphics package!
Posted by matt at June 26, 2002 12:10 PM
"Hello again,I don't have drawing tools, so here goes, using good ole text (done on my iBook using Mail) The "arrows" '>' indicate directionality (my understanding of the term being moving an antenna to get a better signal).
Sorry for the multiple messages, but I'm suffering insomnia, and I'm quite taken by this concept of warchalking.
Kudos!
Wo|f
--------------------------------------------------[SNIP]
WEP NODE SHORTHAND:
SSID
(W>) contact info
bandwidthOPEN NODE SHORTHAND:
SSID
(O<)
bandwidthCLOSED NODE SHORTHAND:
SSID
(C^)
bandwidth"PAY NODE" SHORTHAND:
(use the appropriate currency symbol for your region, of course):"Buy something from here, use their hotspot":
SSID
($^)
bandwidthFor Boingo (http://www.boingo.com):
SSID
($B<)
bandwidthFor Sputnick (http://www.sputnick.com):
SSID
($S>)
bandwidthOptional info, maybe be of use:
(F) = Free or Community Network
(N) = Uses NoCat (http://nocat.net)
(X) = Someone thinks there's a hotspot here, but they aren't sure of the details."
I enjoy kicking ideas around like this, especially if it involves
symbols or languages.
Another idea, with respect. You might call it warchalking, that is,
the process of going around and making these tags or even proper signing
(warsigning?). But how about a name for these markings that doesn't sound
quite as "confrontational"?
:)))) I humbly submit "WiFi glyphs" ... these markings sort of remind me
of runes from The Hobbit or LotR ... if we can further pull Tolkien into
this, why not?
One suggestion I think was a good one on /. forums would be for use of
proper signage (in places like cafes, or airports, etc.) would be to add
the WiFi logo. Perhaps to the left of the WiFi glyph ...
Just going to continue to add my thoughts and ideas here, as I think it might be easier for me to keep track of under this posting.
I went looking around my town today, and noticed that there are a _lot_ of things spray-painted on sidewalks and curbs near the edge of the street or near the start of alleyways between buildings (I don't drive, I walk alot, but usually I'm keeping my head up so I don't trip over something). But anyhow, I noticed that most of these markings have to do with the placement of underground pipes, conduits for utilities, such as water, electricity, et. al. So why not have a similar system for WiFi networks, provided that you use some good judgement doing it.
I don't know that you can really call "Wibos" (what I'm calling _Wi_Fi ho_bo_s or bohemians) warchalking a "WiFi glyph" (the assorted shorthand) vandalism, unless you use something permanent. Just don't make the same mistake that IBM did with their Linux campaign in San Francisco! It cost them a lot to clean up!
I know of at least two sites I have visited here in my town that have WiFi networks that are open to public use. There is another I plan on visiting, and one in my own neighborhood that is definitely what I call (X)WLAN - no information available, save for the SSID. I've got a good spot picked for a "glyph", so I'll chalk it in A.S.A.P
Posted by Wo|f at June 26, 2002 09:19 PMAh, I like the idea of having a lower case letter to signify the 802.11 "type" near the bandwidth, perhaps something like this
SSID
(O)someone@wifinode.net
T1a
Me again.
Just thought of something. If someone discovers a WiFi glyph on their building, this has a positive effect:
1. They realize that they are not secure. They take steps to secure their node. Or they consider opening a public node if they have bandwidth to spare.
2. They post an official sign in a store front, or in a window, somewhere plainly visible. Either way, they declare that they do in fact have a node, and whether or not they'd like for you to be using it. A "fair notice" if you will, like a "No Trespassing, Keep Out" sign (like banners on some hosts I've logged into) or, in the best case scenario, they encourage the use of WiFi networking "WiBos Welcome".
Posted by Wo|f at June 26, 2002 09:45 PM