I got a call from a reporter at Forbes.com who wanted my take on “networked art.” So..I gave a take.

This blog post reflects on a project by IMD student Mike Brazil, who explored the Google Maps API as part of an interactive media course. The course, guided by esteemed professors, aims to broaden students' understanding of media beyond the conventional console games. Emphasizing the creative potential of mapping and storytelling, the post poses an intriguing question: how can we tell richer stories through maps? With a nod to Tolkien's Middle Earth, it invites readers to envision a world where narratives unfold in geographic spaces, challenging the boundaries of interactive design.

This blog post reflects on the author's imaginative dream of being a decision-maker at Google, envisioning a world filled with innovative, location-based services. The idea of creating a mobile application ecosystem that focuses on games and proximity-based experiences sparks excitement, despite the frustration of outdated technology. It hints at a desire to explore the potential of locative media and cartography in a playful, engaging way, while contemplating the future of mobile connectivity amidst the limitations of current devices.

Thomas Landspurg's work on adapting Google Maps for J2ME devices is a celebration of ingenuity and community. With a DIY approach, he's created a mobile interface that promises to unlock new features and possibilities in collaborative mapping. This endeavor not only highlights the beauty of technology but also connects those who share the same challenges, inspiring a wave of creativity and innovation among developers. It's a reminder that in the world of tech, we're never alone on our journeys.

The iSpots project at MIT brings a fresh perspective to the world of wireless networks, transforming the abstract into the tangible. By visualizing the activity across its wireless network, it not only aids in managing connectivity but also serves as an artistic exploration of social dynamics. The challenge lies in balancing aesthetics with functionality—creating visuals that are not just pretty but also informative. In this dance of technology and creativity, iSpots invites us to see beyond mere data, immersing us in the vibrant flow of campus life.

Stumbled across this Google Maps..thing. It’s not quite collaborative mapping, but it has a draw.

I’m engaging in what seems like an unending exercise in shuffling and reorganizing all of the intelligence and insights that live in various PDFs and such all in my electronic and analog libraries. I have no idea what the most effective way to organize the stuff is — I’ve tried knowledge management tools and pract…

My take on the relationship with EA at IMD is that its problematic, in general because it overwhelms the Games track in the division. Many students are here for “games” and see the division as a way to get on the inside track to a job at EA.

Ever since Bruce Sterling’s up-close-and-personal polemic the other day, I’ve been all hopped-up on the [w:spime]. The idea of an object that knows itself — it’s history, where it’s been, where it should be, and can self-describe in a rich way is enthralling for some reason right now.