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Gas/Food/Lodgings
Steve writes:
"Hey there,
I've been following the warchalking thing for the past few days and
thought I'd toss my own commentary/chalks into the mix.
WRT "More is More":
This is looking like a combination of a hiking/skiing trail sign
and an airman's(read:pilot) nav chart. I think something like this
is going to be needed if warchalking is to become something more than
a folk script/glyph language(ala GasFoodLodging or an ISO glyphset)
I've attached a JPEG of some glyphs I cooked up myself:
-A curving/bouncing arrow to indicate an FHSS node.
-A straight arrow to indicate DSSS.
-A key to show an encrypted node
-A broken antenna (or, better yet) an eraser indicating a node that
used to be here but is now gone.
-A clock to show a time-limited node: The time alotted to each user is
indicated on the face with an hour being represented by noon.
-A triangle with an E or M in it, representing connectivity for
emergency or municipal services and an implicit request to move
on to the next node. I was shooting for something like the old "CD"
Civil Defense signs.
-An eyeball warning potential users that the owner may be logging
packets.
-A blocked arrow, indicating a blocked/unavailable service
-A passing arrow, indicating an open/available service
Take care,
Steve"
IMHO, I think what Steve's got here is an extended language, which could supplement the core symbology - there's some useful stuff to be sure in there. My current thinking for v1.0 is to have a very, very simple core that everyone, even dummies like me can hold in their heads, plus a glossary of wifi terms (the biggest request so far) plus an optional, richer "extended" set which might be more mutable, and more secret.
What do you think?
Posted by matt at June 28, 2002 09:57 AM
Comments
Traffic logging/sniffing is so normal nowadays (protecting yourself from dos attacks, creating usage statistics) that this needs not imho to be especially indicated with an symbol.
However, how could you get a clue about traffic logging/sniffing?
Posted by J-Georg at June 28, 2002 12:04 PM
it seems most of the code has potential.
the useful extensions as imho, are the
the firewalling diagrams.
and the logging symbol.
perhaps the conditions of use... emergency...
why would you need to indicate a down node, surely removing the chalk
mark would suffice...
Posted by tef at June 28, 2002 01:40 PM
A symbol for intermittancy (as opposed to a down-state) would be useful, as it would clue the passer-by as to the potiality of access, albeit intermittantly. Erasing a node symbol restricts knowledge, and would only be useful if the node was _gone_ not merely _unavailable_.
The real question, of course--and this is coming from a novice--is whether there's even a way to tell whether a node is merely intermittant, or altogether vanished.
Posted by vis10n at June 28, 2002 04:36 PM
- - - - -
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 04:52 AM
I have a real concern with identifying emergency or municipal services. This really provides anyone with ill-intent with an easy target list of critical/emergency infrastructure
Posted by Toshi at July 1, 2002 03:05 AM
I have a real concern with identifying emergency or municipal services. This really provides anyone with ill-intent with an easy target list of critical/emergency infrastructure
Posted by Toshi at July 1, 2002 03:11 AM
I have a real concern with identifying emergency or municipal services. This really provides anyone with ill-intent with an easy target list of critical/emergency infrastructure
Posted by Toshi at July 1, 2002 03:14 AM
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