Tim Stiles has this to say:
"I've seen the discussions on slashdot and noted a few people's conclusion jumping that this was meant exclusively for crackers to break into insecure networks, and thus could hurt the open networks movement.Posted by matt at June 27, 2002 11:31 PMRUBBISH!
To help defuse that notion, spend a lot of effort on the symbology itself for different types of public usage than chalk on the sidewalk. These symbols could ultimately be as pervasive as restroom indicators on tourist maps and hotel guides.
Imagine driving down the highway and seeing a sign that indicates that the next exit leads to food, shelter, information and connectivity!
With that in mind I have put together a few alterations of your symbology with commercial signage for public spaces in mind.
Mostly, a way to incorporate places like Starbucks, who offer connectivity for a fee.
I include a $ to represent Paid Access networks, ¢ to represent a network
that would gratefully accept donations for its operation, and leaving it blank for free networks.I also suggest some optional indicators for networks that are available only
during daylight (a sunrise icon) or nighttime (a crescent moon). Reserve the space beneath the mark for connectivity specs, so that, as protocols proliferate, a single business/location that provides several flavors of wireless can list them all while keeping the symbol vertically centered.Reserve the space above the mark for instructions on how to join a network:
an SSID for closed or hidden networks or a contact phone number or website to register for that service. Maybe an up arrow or a triangle to indicate 'join by registering inside this building'.Keep the sequence of the types of information presented in the same order as
most languages read: Top to bottom, left to right (joining methods, preparation details, connectivity protocols and speeds to expect) Directionality would still be needed for warchalking, but wouldn't be needed for commercial signage or map icons.Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to seeing the impact of
warchalking on the public conciousness.Tim Stiles
WatchMaker,
Cargo Gods, Inc."
Hi Matt,
The link to the PDF was broken, but it was just a typo.
http://www.blackbeltjones.com/warchalking/community/timstiles/Warchalk.pdf
Great site, wish there was more open wireless here in the Aloha state so I could start chalking.
Posted by Jon at June 28, 2002 01:07 AMgot a mention on streettech:
cool!
Posted by goopymart at June 28, 2002 05:20 AM
- - - - -
http://www2.bc.edu/~benedicw/_misc/warchalking.gif
This is a quick mock up of how I think this whole symbol thing should go down. Simplicity is so so key. Three symbols should be the max. Alpha numerics should have a preferred location, but should be kept optional by all means (along with direction). SSID along the bottom (looks better, makes sense), with maybe the WEP code across the top (where known/applicable). If you want bandwidth on the right and a/b/g on the left, sure, but all of these things are super secondary. The important thing is the IDENTIFICATION OF THE LOCATION. They're just an extension of the Original Three, but (if I don't say so myself) clearer, more unique, and too pretty :) . This whole idea will fly--but I want it to look nice and clean, too.
If the data can be easily put by the symbol, well great. If the only surface is a stone wall face of a coffee shop, best stick with the nice looking simple symbol and the rest can be gleaned with software, or friggin walking inside and asking the story. Direction can be as simple as nothing (you are * here), a clock-compass (noon = forward, 6 = backwards, 3 = right), or a simple map (through the door, down the hall, passed the restroom, door on your right with circular window).
The original symbols are a bit too simple. A circle on a wall is way too ambiguous, as is (though less so) the open butterfly-circle. Combine the two, and it takes on the qualities of a true rune (not that all runs are encased in circles, but that they are obviously intentional and meaningful shapes). The W was always no good. Also, the way these are drawn, the status of the node could be easily updated by erasing or adding a simple line here or there. They're also symbols I wouldn't mind making a cool sign out of and posting in front of my coffee shop or library or whatever...easily transferable to other mediums, but also good-looking (again, if I don't say so myself ;) .
Posted by Tremelune at June 30, 2002 04:55 AMBe careful you don't get mistaken for this lot! They put stickers on street furniture even out here in Melbourne..
The URL i referred to was masked behind my id (euch) the link I was referring to is creator.org
they are monkeys and old people upside down on 7 wheeled tricycles with hats.
Posted by urbanbicyclist at August 14, 2002 06:58 AM