When I created the “Hackers in Your Neighborhood” map last December, I wasn’t sure what the response would be. I was really happy to see it end up being really positive, with lots of hackers and organizations adding their marker to the map.
I was just peeking in on its progress today and it looks like it’s still alive with minimal vandalization and with lots of individuals and user groups making it to the list.
Some of the momentum has died down a bit, though, so now seems like a good time to do a little spring cleaning. Update your own record, if necessary, and make sure you list or update any hacker-friendly clubs or organizations that you know about. My hope is that this will make it easier for people to network and discover groups near them that they can participate in.
The same instructions still apply: Click the link to connect to the map, log in to your Google account, and you’ll find an “Edit” button on the left. Clicking this will put the map in edit mode, where you can drag a new marker onto the map for yourself. Then just toss your name into the title and put your interests and project websites in the description field. If you’re already on them map, select the marker you want to edit (try not to screw up others) and then update the text field.
For your personal icons, don’t put it right on your address unless you really don’t mind giving that info out. Centered on your city, town or neighborhood works fine too.
Some big goals for this round:
- A club listed in every metropolitan area of the U.S. (red icon)
- More resources for places to buy related parts or electronics ($ icon)
- Coffee shops with free WiFi where fellow hackers are typically found (coffee icon)
- Better representation in South America,
Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Australia
Big shout outs go to the Philly Linux User’s Group, which is the most recent addition to the map, the Twin Cities Robotics Club, who are doing a fine job representing my home base, and Raj, our sole hacker in all of India.
It goes without saying, but when you’re done updating the map, try and track down an organization or a few interested folks in your area. You have your assignment. Now get out there and go put some brains together.
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