“It’s awesome that Palmer’s Kickstarter has done so well — but look at what it’s entailed. It’s entailed time, effort, planning and work both backward and forward in time. That currently $439,000 isn’t a windfall for her; it’s a marker of what all that commitment to the work has earned.
If you’re one of the people looking at her Kickstarter money with stars in your eyes and awesome plans of your own in your head, ask yourself first: Have you put in the time? Earned the credibility? Scoped out the financial balance sheet? Made the commitment to fulfill every single thing you have promised?
Palmer has. If you haven’t — on any of this — be aware that your results, shall we say, may vary.”
— John Scalzi explains the ups and downs and behind-the-scenes of how you do a successful Kickstarter and what the money means. Whether you’re interested in Amanda’s Kickstarter or not, this one should be required reading for anybody interested in how it works, what it is, and what you want to do if you want the same results… (via neil-gaiman)
(via neil-gaiman)
You know, I see all these e-readers and suchlike, and I can’t help but think of the silliest thing. It was in one of the Animorphs books that I read as a kid, in a passage when Ax, the Andalite alien, was talking about humanity’s achievements.
One of the things he said was how amazing books are, containing so much information with absolutely no load time beyond turning a page, no downtime, nothing to break. I like e-readers, but…KA Applegate had a point.
I think I’ve heard of this.
But I think their characters were way too stereotyped.
I’m of the opinion that someone should write a whole novel about two gay robots
It’s been done; I can send you some recs.
[video]
“
A proposal is being put forward by the Robot Companions for Citizens (CA-RoboCom) consortium has the aim of giving a robot to every citizen in the European Union (EU).
According to their press release, this new generation of robots will extend the active independent lives of citizens, bolster the labour force,preserve and support human capabilities and experience, provide key services in our cities, and help us to maintain our planet.
Robot Companions for Citizens are going to be soft skinned and sentient machines designed to deliver assistance to people. This assistance is defined in the broadest possible sense and covers all sorts of different settings.
Robot Companions for Citizens will be based on the novel solid articulated structures with flexible properties displaying soft behaviour. These companions will also have new levels of perceptual, cognitive and emotive capabilities.
They will also be aware of their physical and social surroundings and respond accordingly. Such sentient characteristics will be achieved through understandings of the behaviour of sentient living creatures. In undertaking the research into the Information and Communication technologies that will need to be developed, the research will also validate understandings of the general design principles underlying biological bodies and brains, thus supporting a symbiotic relationship between science and engineering.
” —33rd Square | Robot Companions For All Europeans? (via myserendipities)
From the “checking to make sure it’s not April 1st” department.
(via advicebyada)
My favorite shot of Enterprise flying over NYC.
(via michaelk42)
Okay last one. After this I can’t get you any more shuttle porn.
This is a spaceship, guys. I just saw it.
I’m sure I have a follower or two who would want to make themselves a pair of these.
dbsw:
Star Wars Heels: A Craft Project // by Star Wars and Wine
Click through to learn how to make your own.