Maker Faire Detroit

[filkertom]

First and most important thing: My wrist still hurts like crazy, but flexing it in the direction necessary to play guitar was no more a problem than keeping it straight, and so my set went just fine. Not that many people there for it -- maybe two dozen at the most, an average of about twelve -- but they were enthusiastic and appreciative (and several were fans and friends, which is always nice).

The Faire itself was amazing. I didn't expect anything so huge. Robotics, strange and wonderful bicycles, environmental exhibits, UtiliKilts, ever-damn-thing. Incredible energy, on every level -- Leslie and I marveled at how this community is very much like a nascent fandom. The community really didn't exist about five years or so ago, as far as we can tell, and everybody has got the full-on fannish You mean there are OTHER people out there besides me who like this stuff!?! And a lot of fannish overlap. The PenguiCon people had a booth. And Maia was there, and Anna and Doug, and the Underwoods, and Paul Haas, and about fifteen other people I knew from cons (naturally, the names elude me, dang Swiss cheese Rolodex).

I sincerely hope they do another one. This was great.

Anybody else, erm, make it?

Comments

[johnridley.livejournal.com]

I got some good photos of you including one with the Maker Faire banner behind you, but our internet connection at home has been down for 5 days now (charter communications!). I'll let you know when I'm able to post them.

[sveethot.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear your wrist is bothering you. If you haven't tried it, let me suggest Biofreeze and Aleve. You may have to step into a chiropractor's office for the Biofreeze, but it's good stuff. If you can't find it, Icy Hot is pretty good, too.

I'm going to try to make it out to Dallas to see you in action.

[palenoue.livejournal.com]

I've been watching the maker movement grow and it is indeed a nifty thing. You're right about the parallels with fandom and the excitement of discovering others of like minds.

Now all they need to cement their presence is a song that sums everything up in a catchy tune, kind of like what happened with "Talk Like a Pirate Day" after they got a theme song. (too subtle?)

[maiac.livejournal.com]

For all the nifty things at the Maker Faire, like the seven-person not-a-bicycle, the high point for me was your concert. Oh, and seeing a real authentic Underwood manual typewriter. </nostalgia>

[johno.livejournal.com]

I've been attending the San Francisco Maker Fair for 4 years now and was a participant this year.

It's an amazing thing and I'm glad it's spreading and gathering folks.

[crwilley.livejournal.com]

Apparently MakerFaire and The Henry Ford have committed to at least three years - so there's going to be at least two more! I went on Saturday, didn't manage to see anything I'd intended to (mostly because all the presentations were around noon, and I was teaching knitting and crochet until 1:30, so I missed the show, darnit), and still had a blast.

...and I also thought the seven-person not-a-bicycle was awesome. I think because instead of a horn or a bell, the "coming through" signal was the screaming of the passengers. :)

[mbumby.livejournal.com]

C & I went on Sunday -- So far behind I didn't learn until this week that you'd been there. Enjoyed. I look forward to next year.

[entropy12.livejournal.com]

My Mom and I were there, but I hadn't been reading LJ so we got there far too late to see your show. Definitely coming next year.

My Mom said see saw you walking around, but I didn't.

I was approached by a guy at the food area who said, "I spent last weekend in a hotel with you."

Confluence in PA. Gotta love con guys.