It’s that time again. After taking a break from posting events (due to the amazing Portland weather we’ve been having), it’s again time to post all of the interesting events in Portland that are amazing opportunities to go to. There’s a ton happening this month and next, which means plenty of opportunities to connect with great people, new and familiar!

With a list like this, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy. If not, let me know what you’re interested in, and I’ll work on finding an event for you.

Happy networking - and let me know if I missed anything. I can always be reached in the comments below, or on Twitter at @caseorganic. If you’re a fan of E-mail, I’m at caseorganic at gmail dot com.

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Mobile Love, Android Style #15

Monday September 14, 2009 at 6:00pmLucky Labrador Brew Pub

915 SE Hawthorne Boulevard
Portland, Oregon 97214
The Google Phone, the Open Source Mobile Operating System. The one and only Android.

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4225653/

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HTML-PDX Meeting

Monday, September 14, 2009 from 6:30–8pm

Nedspace Old Town
117 NW 5th Ave. Suite 210
Portland OR 97209

Website http://groups.google.com/group/html5-pdx

Description: Reid Beels @reidab is going to cover webkit 3D transforms.

See full event on Calagator: http://calagator.org/events/1250457669

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IxDA Portland: Meetup / Design Practice

Tuesday September 15, 2009 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

About Us
107 SE Washington St. Suite 520
Portland, 97214

Join us for a design practice session! We will start with a description of the design problem followed by work in small groups on design ideation and solution sketches. At the end, the small groups will present their ideas and sketches back to the rest of the meeting attendees.

This is a casual, non-sponsored workshop. Feel free to bring your own snacks or dinner.

IxDA Portland is the local chapter of the Interaction Design Association (http://www.ixda.org/).

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4416829/

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PDXPHP September Meeting : Overview of PHP 5.3

Tuesday September 15, 2009 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm

NedSpace Old Town
117 NW Fifth Ave. (btwn Couch and Davis)
Portland, Oregon 97209
Meeting Desc:

High level overview of PHP 5.3 which is a major milestone in PHP releases.
This discussion will center around:
# Support for namespaces
# Late static binding
# Lambda Functions and Closures

Also, Peter Schmalfeldt will give a tour of a project he is working on and looking for developer help.
He is looking for a few PHP developers to help build http://www.localreuse.org,
the next generation of the current non profit site http://www.gigoit.org.
Website: http://pdxphp.org

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4414444/

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Portland Java User Group: Grid Packet Computing for Java

Tuesday September 15, 2009 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Oracle
1211 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 800
Portland, Oregon 97204

This month’s topic: Grid Packet Computing for Java (GPC4J)

GPC4J is a computing paradigm that breaks a partitionable problem into GridPackets, which are routed, processed and re-assembled into the solution to the original problem. This presentation will cover the use of the system and design of the project’s web application. The application is built using REST (Jersey), Maven, Hibernate, JPA, MySQL and GlassFish.

Speaker: Lyle Harris

Lyle Harris is a Software Engineer working in World Wide Operations at Sun Microsystems, where he develops internal Java applications for automation and customer-facing web applications.

PJUG meetings start with some time to eat and socialize (pizza and beverages are provided), followed by the featured speaker, then Q&A, discussion, sometimes a drawing to give away swag.

Though we like knowing how many people to expect, you don’t *have* to RSVP, on Upcoming or otherwise. Go ahead and just show up!

Many people also go for a drink and further discussion following the meeting, at a location determined ad hoc (lately, the Market Street Pub at 10th and Market: http://mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=24 ).

http://twitter.com/pjug
http://pjug.org/
(join our mailing list, linked from the website!)
Website: http://pjug.org/

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/1441297/

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Lunch 2.0 at eROI

Wednesday September 16, 2009 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm

eROI
505 NW Couch, Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97209

We’re headed back to eROI for Portland Lunch 2.0.

A lot has happened since they last hosted Lunch 2.0 back in April 2008, including the launch of their new event registration service, eROI Event.

To showcase their new system, eROI wants your suggestions on what they should raffle off at their Lunch 2.0. So, head over to the Lunch 2.0 event, register and suggest something.

You’ll get a chance to test-drive eROI Event, and the winner will be selected from those who register there.

If it’s not too much trouble, please also RSVP here or only here, if you don’t want to win free stuff. As if.

Lunch 2.0 is a Valley phenomenon that you can read about at lunch20.com, and we’re putting a PDX stamp on it.

You can follow all things Portland Lunch 2.0 an the Silicon Florist.

Are you vegan or vegetarian? Please leave a comment so we can plan food accordingly. Thanks.
Website: http://siliconflorist.com/2009/08/15/lunch-20-erm-201-eroi/

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4230647/

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TiE Oregon - Cloud Computing

Wednesday September 16, 2009 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Intel - Ronler Acres Campus Auditorium
2501 NW 229th Ave
Hillsboro, Oregon

Cloud Computing ties hardware virtualization and software innovation to offer economic choices for deploying and scaling software services. Cloud Services are being offered in different flavors and for different segments by a variety of vendors.

TiE Oregon is hosting a Cloud Computing flyby, with a panel of evangelists, experts and entrepreneurs representing the key providers as well as usage and deployment perspectives for a spectrum of service layers including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS.

Join us on Sept 16th, to learn, explore and get answers to your questions regarding the technical and operational issues, financial trade-offs and business risks and opportunities offered by cloud computing.
Ticket Info: $15 - $30

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4238939/

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Raven Zachary: iPhone applications For the Presidential Election

Thursday September 17, 2009 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Note that this event is not in Portland, but it concerns one of the coolest Portlanders around and his accomplishments. Thus, it is worth noting. Raven Zachary is always worth noting.

Michigan League
911 N. University
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

The brains behind the team that developed President Obama’s official iPhone application for his presidential campaign – Raven Zachary – is at the top of an industry that never existed up until two years ago. Zachary will travel to Ann Arbor in September, to inspire Michigan residents to reinvent and innovate. Ann Arbor Ad Club, in coordination with University of Michigan American Advertising Federation Student Chapter, is honored to introduce this luminary on Thursday, September 17 from 7-9 p.m., at the Michigan League. Active networking, refreshments and cash bar are available. Raven spoke at Advertising Age’s Creativity and Technology Conference in New York where tickets where $395/person.

Last year, Raven Zachary’s iPhone application generated hundreds of nationwide news stories and was quickly named among Apple’s coveted Top 10 List. His application furthered President Obama’s successful social media initiatives, which helped seal his Presidency. Marketing pundits attribute social media’s instrumental role in helping President Obama communicate with his supporters. Raven will discuss reinvention and innovation - themes that touch the heart of Michiganders - from automotive companies to Detroit’s drive to rejuvenate the city.

Today, as President of Small Society, Zachary works with big brands, established companies, investors, and startups on iPhone strategy and product development. He’s impacted Whole Foods Market, Zipcar, Clif Bar, and Air New Zealand, and founded iPhoneDevCamp, a not-for-profit iPhone developer conference. Raven’s iPhone app for Whole Foods is featured in Apple’s “There’s an App for That” TV commercials. As Contributing Analyst with The 451 Group, an IT industry analyst firm, he works with O’Reilly Media on iPhone and mobile technology events and coverage. Regularly quoted by media, he is a frequent speaker.
Ticket Info: Entry into this event is free for members, $35 for the public, and $10 for students.

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4240480/

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SAOpdx: The Act of Making Clouds: What Every Developer Should Know

Thursday September 17, 2009 at 12:00pm

Portland State Business Accelerator
2828 SW Corbett Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201

The Software Association of Oregon Dev Forum has partnered with the Portland State Business Accelerator and the Portland SIG of TiE Oregon to bring you the most comprehensive and in-depth technical discussion in Portland about Cloud Computing yet.

This program is specifically designed for developers and architects. In one afternoon we intend to host a collaborative best practice exchange aimed specifically at the top things developers and architects need to know in order to make the right Cloud Computing platform evaluation and implementation decisions.

REGISTER: https://sao.yourmembership.com/events/event_details.asp?id=68684

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WordCamp Portland

Saturday September 19, 2009 - Sunday September 20, 2009

Webtrends
Pacific First Center Building 851 SW Sixth Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97204

Note: This event is now sold out, and there are 50 people on the waiting list. However, I’ve listed it here because it is an important event to keep in mind. If you’re feeling like you missed out, try WordCamp Seattle on Sept 26th, 2009. More information on the WordCamp Seattle Website.

WordCamp is a gathering of people interested in WordPress and blogging. Topics will focus on a wide range of audiences from the new blogger as well as those with more of a technical background.

Follow the WordCamp Portland website for details including speakers, sponsorship, and ticket information
Ticket Info: 20.00
Website: http://www.wordcampportland.org.

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LinuxCon 2009

Monday September 21, 2009 - Friday September 25, 2009

Portland Marriott (Downtown)
1401 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, Oregon 97201
1st Annual LinuxCon

September 21 - 25, 2009 - Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, Portland, OR

This event is co-located with the 2nd Annual Linux Plumbers’ Conference.

LinuxCon is a new annual technical conference that will provide an unmatched collaboration and education space for all matters Linux. LinuxCon will bring together the best and brightest that the Linux community has to offer, including core developers, administrators, end users, community managers and industry experts. In being the conference for “all matters Linux”, LinuxCon will be informative and educational for a wide range of attendees. We will not only bring together all of the best technical talent but the decision makers and industry experts who are involved in the Linux community.

LinuxCon will feature over 75 conference presentations divided among five tracks and three audience types (Developers, Operations and Business), tutorials, BoF sessions, keynotes, roundtables, a product & technology showcase and sponsored mini-summits, as well as countless networking opportunities in developer lounges and evening events. LinuxCon offers a unique conference experience that encourages collaboration, progress and interaction.

With top notch educational content and collaboration opportunities, those that attend LinuxCon will leave more knowledgeable and better positioned for success in the year to come.

Register on the LinuxCon website: http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/linuxcon

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/1746434/

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Portland Open Source Geospatial User Group

Wednesday September 23, 2009 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm

OpenSourcery
1636 NW Lovejoy St.
Portland, OR 97209
[Or, if you prefer: 45.529986, -122.688206]

Monthly meeting of the Portland area open source geospatial user group.

We meet the 4th Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8:00 PM at OpenSourcery in NW Portland. No need to RSVP, all are welcome- our group ranges from the geo-curious to the überhackers. [Please arrive no more than 10 minutes early, as the developers at OpenSourcery are working up until the meeting time.]

RSVP through Google Groups: http://groups.google.com/group/pdx-osgis or Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4409628/.

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Linux Plumbers Conf 2009

Wednesday September 23, 2009 - Friday September 25, 2009

Portland Marriott (Downtown)
1401 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, Oregon 97201
Linux Plumbers Conference
23-25 September 2009
Portland, Oregon USA

The goal of the Plumbers Conference is to solve problems. The conference is arranged as a series of microconferences, each on a topic that is narrow enough to identify specific problem areas and brainstorm workable solutions. Each microconference is led by an expert in the field and organized to encourage discussion and problem solving. Microconferences will be scheduled so that representatives from related subsystems can attend other microconferences. In addition to the microconferences, there will be a general track for discussing issues that don’t fit into microconferences, or come up during the conference.

Register on the Linux Plumbers Conference Website: http://linuxplumbersconf.org

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/1857378/.

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SAOpdx: ConnectPDX

Thursday September 24, 2009 at 4:00pm

Blitz bar in the Pearl District
110 NW 10th Ave
Portland, Oregon 97209

SAO ConnectPDX is a new kind of networking, relaxed, open, and the kind that fosters real connections.

You’ve been to enough networking events to know that they’re usually a frantic business card swap, with shallow connections.

ConnectPDX is different. We provide a low key environment, in a fun space, where meeting people comes naturally.

We encourage professionals from different industries to attend, so everyone’s networks can expand.

Free registration + great happy hour + great PDX connections = time well spent!

Blitz (Pearl) is open to minors until 9pm.

Where to park: If you’re lucky, you can get metered street parking, but if you want a cheap garage, use Smart Park.

There is no registration for this event - just show up!

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Refresh Portland

Wednesday September 24th, 2008 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Jive Software
915 SW Stark
Portland, Oregon

Refresh Portland is a monthly event (held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Jive Software) for designers interested in refreshing the creative, technical and professional culture in the Portland area.

Anyone interested in those subjects (not just designers) is encouraged to attend.

Refresh Portland is part of the Refreshing Cities Movement.
Website: http://refreshpdx.com

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WhereCamp PDX

Saturday October 3, 2009 from 9:00am - 6:00pm

Metro Regional Center
600 NE Grand Ave
Portland, Oregon

WhereCampPDX is a free unconference focusing on all things geographical. This informal meeting of minds welcomes all geo-locative enthusiasts, anyone who asks “where am I” or feels the need to “know their place”.

An unconference is a conference planned by the participants, we all convene together, plan sessions, and have break-outs into sessions. This gives everybody an opportunity to bring to the table the things that interest them the most and lets us talk about new topics that are still new and exploratory. Part of what is important to hearing new voices and getting new ideas is lowering barriers to participation – this event is free and it is driven by the participants.

WhereCamp PDX runs all weekend: we’re also having a Friday night opening party and Sunday game day. Check http://wherecamppdx.org for details as they’re announced.
Website: http://wherecamppdx.org

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4409467/

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What’s CHIFOO? (It’s the Computer Human Interaction Forum of Oregon, and it is amazing! ).

CHIFOO Meeting: The Ebb and Flow of Activity Streams

Wednesday October 7, 2009 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Jive Software
915 SW Stark St., Suite 400
Portland, Oregon 97205

Ever feel like you’re being hit with a firehose of information?

In the last several years activity streams have infiltrated the enterprise collaboration space. While they promise to alleviate some of the frustrations of email and other communication software, they can also have some interesting side-effects (such as the “fire-hose effect”). In this talk, Joshua Porter will describe the ebbs and flows of activity streams, how they work and don’t work, and how we might design better ones going forward.

Joshua Porter is an interface designer and consultant focusing exclusively on the design of social web applications. Josh wrote the book Designing for the Social Web and speaks regularly at web design conferences and events around the world. Since 2003 he has written the popular design blog bokardo.com.

Ticket Info: FREE for CHIFOO members, $5 general admission, everyone is invited to attend.

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4416668/

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Startupalooza II

Saturday October 10, 2009 at 8:00pm

Startupalooza II is coming. Save the date.
Details later.

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/2563394/

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OEN PubTalk™ - Seed Oregon - Round 1

Wednesday October 14, 2009 from 5:15pm - 7:00pm

BridgePort Brew Pub
1313 Nw Marshall St
Portland, Oregon 97209

OEN’s Seed Oregon PubTalk - Call for Applications - Due Friday, September 18 at 5:00 PM

OEN’s Seed Oregon is a unique competition held during four consecutive PubTalk events. The competition is for Oregon and Southwest Washington seed-stage companies who are seeking capital within the range of $100,000 to $2,000,000. One winner from each preliminary round will move on to a championship round, where a finalist will earn a coveted presenting opportunity at OEN’s Angel Oregon, the premier angel investing event in the Northwest.

Nine presenting companies in total will be selected to compete in the 2009-2010 Seed Oregon tournament. Each will have 10 minutes to present their concept to the PubTalk audience, followed by a 10 minute Q&A session. Three companies will compete at each of the preliminary rounds, with the audience voting for the winning presentations to move to the championship round.

Online registration for this event closes Tuesday, October 13th. Please register at the door after that time

Date and Time: October 14th, 2009, 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Bridgeport Brewpub - 1313 NW Marshall, Portland, Oregon
Registration to attend: OEN Member: $15, Non-member: $25

Price to submit application:
Member: $75 (includes entry at one PubTalk and the Seed Oregon application fee)
Non-Member: $174 (includes entry at one PubTalk, a discounted one year OEN individual membership {$26 savings}, and the Seed Oregon application fee)

Sign up here through the Oregon Entrepreneur’s Network website.

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Lunch 2.0 at Elemental Technologies

Wednesday October 21, 2009 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Elemental Technologies
620 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 400
Portland, Oregon 97204

Elemental Technologies is our host for the 22nd iteration of Portland Lunch 2.0.

Thanks to Davy Stevenson (@davystevenson) for spreading the love to a new venue.

Lunch 2.0 is a Valley phenomenon that you can read about at lunch20.com, and we’re putting a PDX stamp on it.

You can follow all things Portland Lunch 2.0 at the Silicon Florist.

Are you vegan or vegetarian? Please leave a comment (here on Upcoming) so we can plan food accordingly. Thanks.

RSVP on Upcoming: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4409951/

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Refresh Portland

Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Jive Software
915 SW Stark
Portland, Oregon

Refresh Portland is a monthly event (held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Jive Software) for designers interested in refreshing the creative, technical and professional culture in the Portland area.

Anyone interested in those subjects (not just designers) is encouraged to attend.

Refresh Portland is part of the Refreshing Cities Movement.
Website: http://refreshpdx.com

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Craving more events? Check out the Calagator.org.

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About

Amber Case is a cyborg anthropologist, consultant, writer, and analyst from Portland, Oregon. You can contact her at caseorganic at gmail.com, or on Twitter at @caseorganic.

Portland’s role in iPhone development is pretty epic. Due to recent interest (like 5 people asking if I knew any iPhone developers in the last week alone), I’ve compiled a working list of iPhone developers near or in the Portland area. Please spread this list to anyone you feel it may service.

First off, if you haven’t already, sign up for the Mobile Portland mailing list or join the Mobile Portland Google Group. Many more iPhone developers can be reached through the list. Finally, please add yourself to the list through comments, and I’ll add you to this list. Eventually, this list will be stored both on Oakhazelnut and the AboutUs.org Wiki as part of PortlandTech.

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Raven Zachary

Raven Zachary helps people create, develop, and launch iPhone products and services. He works with dynamic, creative, market-driven organizations on iPhone strategy and product development.

Silicon Florist wrote that, “Raven is the creator of iPhoneDevCamp, chair of the upcoming iPhoneLive conference , and consultant to a number of iPhone developers in town and around the nation”.

Raven says that, “If you’re in the area and are going to Macworld, there’s a iPhone Intelligence party on Tuesday 1/6/09″. You can RSVP here.

About: http://raven.me/ravenzachary/
Projects: http://raven.me/projects/

———-

PheedYou

Founded in September 2008 by three geeks and a business guy, PheedYou is dedicated to producing iPhone applications which deliver rich content at the touch of a button.

Alexander Mace, CEO, Chadwick Marcus, President, Brett Carter, Engineer and Preston Hunt, Engineer, build products that facilitate mobile interaction between users and existing content providers.

They recently built a Craigslist application for iPhone or iPod Touch.

Twitter:@sashamace
Site: http://www.pheedyou.com/about/
Applications: http://www.pheedyou.com/

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Subatomic Studios

Subatomic studios is a small Portland firm specializing exclusively in iPhone app development.

Fieldrunners, the studio’s first App for the iPhone and Apple, was nominated in five categories: Best App Ever, Best Productivity Killer, Best Original Game, Best Long-Play Game, and Best Strategy Game.

More Information: http://www.subatomicstudios.com/
Contact: Sergei Gourski

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Avatron Software (Vancouver, WA)

Avatron was founded in April 2008 by Dave Howell, a six-year veteran Apple engineering manager, Avatron is a leading developer of popular applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. Avatron’s Air Sharing application, downloaded by nearly one million users in its first week, has raised the bar for iPhone application design and software quality.”

See Avatron’s first commercial application for the iPhone, Air Sharing (more than 700,000 downloads in one week).

More information: http://avatron.com/

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Cloud Four (Portland, OR)

In his post onObama for iPhone, Rick Turoczy summed up Cloud Four’s foray into the iPhone dev world, “The folks at Cloud Four have really come into their own in the world of consulting on mobile apps—especially when it comes to things like usability. (What? You actually want people to be able to use the app?) They’ve put in some impressive (volunteer) work on the Obama for iPhone app and equally impressive (paid) work on the interface design for the Mobile Wall Street Journal app“.

“Cloud Four is proudly based in Portland, Ore.,” they sad, “but we serve customers worldwide.”

More Information: http://cloudfour.com/

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Spotlight Mobile

Spotlight Mobile is a Portland, Oregon software development firm specializing in mobile devices and web applications. It was founded by Cornell University graduates Kiyo Kubo and Nick Farina, and based on research from the Cornell Human-Computer Interaction Lab. They got their start bringing new uses for location-awareness technology to market.

Spotlight Mobile in the Pearl has been doing mobile development for years: location-based apps for the Smithsonian, Portland Art Museum, and parks, as well as iPhone apps like this one for Vogue:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/28/fashion/28ROW.html?ref=style

Here’s another NYT piece about Spotlight’s Cornell Univ. admissions tour work:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/14/technology/circuits/14gpss.html

More information: http://www.spotlightmobile.com/about/
Full client list: http://www.spotlightmobile.com/clients/
Contact: Kiyo Kubo or Nick Farina http://www.spotlightmobile.com/contact/

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Eric Eaglstun

Although he won’t actually be living in Portland for another two weeks, he’d like to added to this list.
Most of Eric’s has been in web development, and he’s worked on web user interfaces specific to the iPhone (iUI, javascript etc) but he is on track to have his first App in the iTunes store by early February.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ericeaglstun
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Makerlab

Makerlab is a small Portland-based thinktank with ties to Silicon Valley. It lies at the intersection of art and technology, and is comprised of a variety of seasoned programmers, researchers, and artists.

Contact: @anselm, @paigedestroy or @caseorganic.
Site: http://makerlab.org/

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Andrew Pouliot

Another new mobile developer in Portland, aka Darknoon/, is doing native iPhone app development. He’s originally from Silicon Valley, but thinks the scene here is vibrant enough to make a good living (plus working with people elsewhere).

“The Cocoa scene is only getting hotter,” says Pouliot, “and some people are moving to Portland to do this sort of stuff”.

Services and contact: http://darknoon.com/services

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Clifton Burt

iPhone Developer

Site: http://cliftonburt.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cliftonburt.

——–

P. Mark Anderson

A Portland based programmer (Ruby, iPhone) and painter developing useful web services that blend code and art.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/pmark
Site: http://bordertownlabs.com

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MorganPdx

@morganpdx is an aspiring iPhone developer, but needs a Macbook.

Site: http://www.morganpdx.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/morganpdx.

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Jonathan Leto

iPhone developer.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dukeleto
Site: http://leto.net/.

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Jonathan Wight (Rural South Carolina)

Even though Jonathan Wight lives, as he puts it, “as not Portland as you can get”, he writes iPhone and Mac OS Software and seems like a pretty cool guy. Besides, in a world of online collaboration and shrinking space between people and ideas, he might be fun to work with on some new ideas.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/schwa
Site: http://toxicsoftware.com/iphoneswpro/

——–

Good luck and have a great time with your project development!

Sincerely,
Amber Case
Cyborg Anthropologist
http://www.twitter.com/caseorganic

During my last semester of college, I became obsessed with the idea that I would be able to somehow put my degree in sociology/anthropology to work in the real world. When I stumbled upon search engine optimization, I was elated. When I learned that Cyborg Anthropology applied there as well, I was even more excited. And when Todd Mintz encouraged me to write my first blog post ever on the SEM PDX blog, I was so nervous that I didn’t leave my friends house for 4 hours while I composed it.

Perfectionism was a difficult thing to get over. I gradually realized that I had to allow myself to suck in order to get anywhere. At Weiden+Kennedy, there’s a massive art piece on the wall that says “Fail Harder”. I knew I had to fail harder than ever before. Oakhazelnut.com was the silliest name for a website I could think of, and the early WordPress template I used was ugly, heavy and clunky. But I kept on it.

I also realized that I wasn’t going to have a community anymore when I graduated from college, so I searched hard for one in Portland. I attended meetups relating to pretty much everything until I found Legion of Tech and Beer and Blog. Some of the first people I ever met were Reid Beals, Bram Pitoyo, Dawn Foster and Rick Turoczy. It was the beginning of an exciting and busy journey into the heart of the tech scene. But it didn’t take long to get oriented. Everyone was filled with zest for their ideas, and it spread quickly to me. I began to take small risks and write more.

Up until now, I’ve been putting in 110 hour weeks trying to do anthropological studies, blogging (which as anyone who blogs knows — is much more difficult than it looks), attending events, and learning more about seo and Yahoo! Pipes. My learning curve is strange, so it has been a long process. I’ve been given great support from people who really know what they are doing. Focused, brilliant, fascinating people.

Now that I am blogging, writing and consulting full-time, I feel like I’ve been thrown directly into the open arms of the tech community. There’s more time for coffeeshops, events, and research now. I’m excited to be able to see more faces.

It was great to be able to walk into the local Backspace coffeeshop and get high fives from all of the great people there. Bram Pitoyo said, “welcome to the life of a Freelancer”. I wholeheartedly embrace it.

My last job was excellent, and I took it after graduating from college in May so that I would be able to learn a bunch of new skills. I learned so many new things I was ready to explode. Drupal was fun, E-mail marketing was great, and new seo tools were awesome. I look forward to how that company does in the future. It’s doing very well and has an excellent business model I was excited to learn more about.

Now I have time for CyborgCamp, MIT’s Futures of Entertainment Conference, Makerlab, Ignite Portland, Refresh Portland, blogging for the Discovery Channel at Nerdabout, AboutUs.org, Dorkbot, search engine optimization, Beer and Blog and of course, Cyborg Anthropology.

Thanks to Marshall Kirkpatrick for the Discovery Channel write-up on Read Write Web. Marshall has been a tremendous help to me. In addition to showing me things like Skitch, he’s lent advice and support to me on numerous occasions.

I want to thank everyone in the Portland Tech community, but there are infinite people to thank. Perhaps I can thank an entire directory of great Tweeple at once (via AboutUs.org Portland Tech Twitter).

I think that’s about it. I am a little speechless at the support I’ve been given, and I can’t wait to share it with a wider audience.

Sincerely,

@caseorganic

Looking for something to do this week/month/season in Portland? Itching to get to know more people/minds/ideas? Look no further. I’ve created this list for you of a bunch of Portland tech events for your convenience. Hopefully it is a useful resource.If you want to connect to more Portland Tech resources, check out the AboutUs.org Wiki for Portland Tech. There’s an RSS feed of Portland Tech Events there, as well as a very robust Portland Tech Twitter directory. Events are updated every two weeks, and there are areas for event reviews. And if you need to add something to it, you can edit it—as it is a Wiki.

And, of course you can always follow me on Twitter for more up-to-date event reviews. If I’ve missed anything, please let me know in the comments and I’ll add it to this list. Please include the date, time, a short event description, and a link (if applicable).

There’s also the awesome Portland-based Calagator and Yahoo’s! Upcoming, which was created by Andy Baio, a Portland resident. Hooray for awesome event databases!

Portland Tech Events for the month of October, November, and Beyond

Oct 27, 2008: Introduction to Google Android — Mobile Portland at AboutUs offices

A year after making a splash with the announcement of the Google Android platform for mobile phones, Android-based phones have finally hit the market. The G1 from T-Mobile and HTC shows an early version of what is possible on this new platform. Sean Sullivan will be talking about what Google Android is, what it means for the market place, and how developers can start building solutions for this new mobile phone platform. Sean will also demonstrate his latest Google Android project which combines OAuth and…

Renewable Energy Finance Forum-West

Renewable Energy Finance Forum-West Monday, October 27, 2008 at 8:30am through Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 4:30pm Grand Hyatt Hotel 721 Pine Street Seattle , WA 98101 US ( map ) The Renewable Energy Finance Forum-West (REFF-West) will unite investors, financiers and project developers in the renewable energy sector, with a particular focus on the Western U.S. The conference builds on the success of the Clean Tech Investing in the Pacific Northwest conference and REFF-Wall Street. Attendees will…

DorkbotPDX Meeting

DorkbotPDX Meeting Monday, October 27, 2008 from 7 – 10pm Lucky Labrador Beer Hall 1945 NW Quimby Portland , OR 97209 US ( map ) Come join us for an evening of socializing, talking about odd hacks and poking around with other people toys. Bring things for show and tell if you like, or just bring a willingness to share your interests. We’ll be the kids with all the coolest stuff on the table. Hope to see you there. Links Website Tags dorkbot, electronics, hardware Download to iCal You…

PDX Critique monthly meeting

PDX Critique monthly meeting Monday, October 27, 2008 from 7 – 9pm CubeSpace 622 SE Grand Ave. Portland , Oregon 97214 USA ( map ) Share your creations and get constructive feedback Links Website Download to iCal You can edit this event . This item was added directly to Calagator Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 10:37am .

Oct 28, 2008: Microsoft Brings Free IT Expertise to Portland, Oregon at Oregon Convention Center

The Microsoft Across America team will be in Portland, Oregon delivering three seminars demonstrating how to drive your business. These educational events are free of charge and specially designed for business owners. Through demonstrations and face-to-face interaction with Microsoft Technology Specialists, attendees will learn how to save time and money while driving efficiency and profitability. TS2 – Target Audience: Microsoft Partners Microsoft’s TS2 seminars teach attendees how to increase revenue…

Science Pub: Science Circus - The Physics of Fun

Science Pub: Science Circus - The Physics of Fun Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 7 – 9pm McMenamins Mission Theater 1624 NW Glisan Street Portland , Oregon 97209 ( map ) Come see physics in action! Jugglers, acrobats, and other circus artists often base their acts on simple Newtonian principles of motion and balance taken to extremes. How does gravity’s constant rate of acceleration affect the juggling of bowling balls? Why would a Nobel Laureate beg a vaudevillian to spin a ball on his finger?…

AeA: Going Green

AeA: Going Green Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 7:30 – 9am Oregon Zoo 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Portland , OR 97221-9704 US ( map ) Human Resources Networking Event Date: Oct 28, 2008 Going Green Going Green is one of the hottest topics in business today. It is not just good for the environment, Going Green is good for business. From your facilities to your business processes to your people, there are easy and inexpensive ways to truly improve your company’s Green quotient. Join our industry panel to…

Smalltalk Users Group meeting [tentative]

Smalltalk Users Group meeting [tentative] Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 6:30 – 8:30pm GemStone Systems 1260 NW Waterhouse Ave # 200 Beaverton , OR 97006 US ( map ) pdx.st is the Portland Smalltalk Users Group. The group welcomes programmers interested in the Smalltalk language. Members interact through a mailing list and meet regularly for presentations, demos and discussions. Links Website Tags programming, smalltalk Download to iCal You can edit this event . This item was added directly…

Oct 29, 2008: Portland Open Coffee Club - October 2008 at Backspace

Portland Open Beer Club and Portland Open Coffee Club are monthly meetups offering a low key, agenda-free format centered around meeting like-minded individuals and talking about technology, the web, and startups. The Portland Open Coffee Club meets the last Wednesday of every month at Backspace at 10 am. Read more at http://portlandopencoffeeclub.com/

Portland State Aerospace Society: General & Team Meetings

Portland State Aerospace Society: General & Team Meetings Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 7 – 11pm Portland State University, Fourth Avenue Building - FAB 155 1900 SW 4th Avenue Portland , Oregon 97201 US ( map ) Links Website Download to iCal You can edit this event . This item was imported from http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/r… Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 4:49pm and last updated Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 12:41am .

Oct 30, 2008: OEN’s Venture Northwest at Portland Marriott (Downtown)

It starts with a simple seed. But from that seed grows strong, vibrant and sustainable companies that are ripe for investment. Venture Northwest (formerly Venture Oregon) is the premier forum for new and emerging investment opportunities in exciting companies from Oregon, Washington, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Learn about the region’s growth segments, explore exciting new technology and research, and connect with entrepreneurs from the area’s hottest emerging companies including nanotech,…

Nov 1, 2008: Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex Install Party at Backspace

Celebrate the release of Ubuntu 8.10, the Intrepid Ibex. Get a copy of the .iso file without waiting for the long download. Get a burned CD or burn one of your own and pass on the free software love. Get installation help and talk to local linux experts.

Nov 5, 2008: Social Network Spaghetti - Portland Web Innovators at Vidoop

Scott Kveton will tell us where he thinks we with the state of current social networks and how we’re actually on our way to the promised land. Kveton is a digital identity promoter, open source contributor, and VP of Open Platforms for Vidoop.

Nov 5, 2008: Lunch 2.0 at the Eclipse Foundation at Eclipse Foundation

The Portland Lunch 2.0 saga continues at the Eclipse Foundation in downtown. Come join your old Twitter pals, meet some new people, learn about what the Eclipse Foundation has going on these days. Did you know they had a Portland office? Worried about parking downtown? It’s probably going to be raining by then. No worries, the Max Oak Street stop is right in front of their building. Lunch 2.0 is a Valley phenomenon that you can read about at lunch20.com, and we’re putting a PDX stamp on it. Are you…

Nov 6, 2008: The Smart Grid and the New Electricity Economy at The Nines Hotel

The Smart Grid and the New Electricity Economy Date: Thu, Nov 6th Time: 4:00pm-6:30pm Location: The Nines Hotel 525 SW Morrison Portland, OR 97204 Cost: $35 for non members $10 Discount for walking or taking mass transit Registration Deadline: 11/06/2008 Topic: The Smart Grid and the New Electricity Economy Register for this Event Back to Event Calendar The Clean Technology Alliance is proud to present a special event hosted by noted expert Jesse Berst of GlobalSmartEnergy to chronicle the rapid growth of…

Nov 10, 2008: The semi-un-not-so-official Wordpress Upgrade Party at CubeSpace

We saw the demo at WordCamp, now lets get together for the grand launch of WordPress 2.7!

Nov 12, 2008: Refresh Portland at Jive Software

Refresh Portland is a monthly talk (held every 2nd Wednesday) about design, front-end development, usability and web standards. We’re in the process of finalizing the speaker. Please watch this space and our twitter account ( http://twitter.com/RefreshPDX ) for future developments. Refresh Portland is part of the Refreshing Cities Movement.

Nov 13, 2008: Ignite Corvallis at CH2M HILL Alumni Center

I hope you’ll join us for Ignite Corvallis in November at High Tech After Hours. Ignite Corvallis Thursday, November 13th, 2-3pm CH2M HILL Alumni Center, Corvallis, Oregon (Across from Reser Stadium) NOTE: Submission deadline for presentation proposals is Tuesday, November 4th. email proposals to ignite [DOT] corvallis [AT] gmail Ignite is coming to Corvallis! Share burning ideas. If you had five minutes on stage what would you say? What if you only got 20 slides and they rotated automatically after 15…

Nov 13, 2008: Ignite Portland 4 at Bagdad Theater and Pub

Save the date! Ignite Portland 4 will happen on Thursday November 13, 2008, at the Bagdad. Same venue. Same format. Even more burning ideas. More details to come - stay tuned! http://www.igniteportland.com http://twitter.com/igniteportland http://friendfeed.com/rooms/igniteportland

Nov 15, 2008: Cre8Camp Portland (@SOUK)

Cre8Camp Portland is a BarCamp-like unconference with a creative twist–it is for creative industries professionals. Saturday November 15, 2008 from 10:00am - 3:00pm Participants drive the session topics and lead the discussions. Registration required. Ticket Info: 10.00 Buy Tickets. Visit the web site for more information. To see photos from the last Cre8Camp, click here. Cre8Camp will be at SOUK 322 NW 6th Avenue, Suite 200. Portland, Oregon 97214. Website: http://www.cre8camp.org/Cre8CampPortlandAdd to calendar.

Dec 6, 2008: CyborgCamp 2008 at CubeSpace

[[Note: The date of this event has been changed to Dec. 6th]] CyborgCamp is a simulcast unconference about the future of the relationship between humans and technology. We’ll discuss topics such as social media, design, code, inventions, web 2.0, twitter, the future of communication, cyborg technology, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy. CyborgCamp’s aim is to have many communication channels such as Twitter, Flickr, UstreamTV, Video and Audio recordings and live chats displayed on the screen.…

Jan 4, 2009: The Ethics of eWaste at Westminster Presbyterian Church

Electronic waste or “e-waste” is broken or unwanted electrical or electronic devices. Many components of e-waste are considered toxic. Due to the difficulty and cost of recycling used electronics as well as lacklustre enforcement of legislation regarding e-waste exports, large amounts of used electronics have been sent to countries such as China, India, and Kenya, where lower environmental standards and working conditions make processing e-waste more profitable. Oso Martin, President of Bear…

Jan 14, 2009: Lunch 2.0 at the New OTBC Office at OTBC in the Beaverton Round

For the first time, Portland Lunch 2.0 will happen in the ‘burbs, Beaverton to be precise. The OTBC is moving into new space and partnering with the Beaverton Round Executive Suites . So, to showcase their new digs and introduce Lunch 2.0 to the suburbs, the OTBC will be hosting Lunch 2.0 on January 14, 2009. The Beaverton Round is right on the MAX line about 20 minutes from Portland. Just jump off the Blue Line at the Beaverton Central stop, and you’re 90 feet from the new OTBC office. Lunch 2.0 is…

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Amber Case is a Cyborg Anthropologist and Social Media Consultant from Portland, Oregon. She goes to lots of tech events because they are fun to go to!

14 were companies were selected to present at Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s Venture Northwest conference on October 30.

The companies that have presented at VNW in the past have amassed more than $1.3 billion in venture funding. Many on the list have business models that will lead to success despite the state of the current economy, and they will be able to derive funds from VCs across the US who are looking for solid investments. This is good news in a time of uncertainty.

Venture Northwest 2008 will be held October 30, 2008, at The Marriott Waterfront in Portland. The companies selected to present at OEN’s Venture Northwest in the past have gone on to raise over $1.3 billion in venture funding the since 1997.

“The companies presenting at the conference represent some of the most innovative and creative companies from across the Northwest,” said John Hull, chair of the OEN Venture Northwest 2008 and managing director at OVP Venture Partners. “Some of these companies are seeking their first institutional venture financing while others have already received first rounds of capital from top-tier venture firms. In total, this list of companies represents well the broad spectrum of investment opportunities that flourish in our region”.

The companies were selected from a group of 44 companies that applied to present at the conference, and were chosen by a panel of venture capitalists, investment bankers, institutional and angel investors and professional service providers chaired by Brent Bullock, a partner at Perkins Coie LLP in Portland.

Registration information is available at oen.org or call the office at 503-222-2270.

The companies selected to present at OEN’s Venture Northwest are:

AboutUs – www.aboutus.org

Tagging and summarizing every website. AboutUs aggregates website information and captures UGC with the goal of creating the most current and comprehensive guide to the Internet and presenting it in a clear, consistent and summarized format. You’ll find different, interesting and useful information at AboutUs.

Advanced Inquiry Systems - www.advancedinquiry.com

Advanced Inquiry Systems, Inc. (AISI) is revolutionizing semiconductor test, helping our customers combat rising costs in the midst of falling product prices. Our unique solutions enhance flexibility for device design, greatly reduce test floor WIP, and nearly eliminate pad scrub, enabling at speed wafer test for flash, DRAM and logic devices.

Collaborative Software Initiative - www.csinitiative.com

Collaborative Software Initiative brings together like minded companies to build software applications at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. CSI introduces this market-changing process to build software for an implementation of a defined standard, an application for regulatory compliance, or a system to provide leverage for multiple companies.

DepotPoint – www.depotpoint.com

DepotPoint is a technology company that deploys a suite of web based workflow and marketplace applications that are designed to accelerate disposal of distressed properties. The company’s solutions are delivered to lenders, trustees/attorneys, REO asset managers, real estate agents, and property buyers resulting in greater processing and transaction efficiency.

END Outdoor – www.endoutdoor.com

END exists to bring affordable, sustainable, high performance footwear to our athletes. Through a powerful design ethos, END will employ a groundbreaking sustainable design and manufacturing process that raises the bar in the industry. Our goal is to only create high performance, sustainable running product that has outstanding fit, comfort and stability.

M-Six - www.m-six.com

M-Six is a software-as-a-service firm armed with a disruptive 3D visualization technology. Our product delivers an innovative workflow that reduces our customers’ costs by 10x while increasing their freedom to invent and collaborate. We’re currently administering a private beta with leading design firms that will enable a revenue stream of $75M within 3 years.

NuScale Power - www.nuscalepower.com

NuScale Power is commercializing a modular, pre-fabricated 45 MWe nuclear power plant. The plant can be scaled to any size by grouping modules together. It will be safer and will improve economics by moving to mass manufacturing off-site, simplifying refueling, and permitting units to be added to match demand growth.

RallyPoint – www.rallypoint.tv

Rallypoint builds and operates the “TV App Store” that delivers web-based services and advertising over the broadband pipe to Internet-enabled television sets without using a set-top box. Rallypoint is seeking to generate $40 to $200 of revenue per Internet-enabled HDTV per year. Rallypoint has developed distribution relationships with the #1 HDTV chipset maker, the #2 and #4 TV OEMs, and the #1 retailer that will ensure general availability of its software and key applications by mid 2009. Rallypoint is raising $3.5M.

Revelation – www.revelationglobal.com

Revelation creates cutting edge web applications for qualitative market research. Launched in 2007, Revelation dramatically extend the reach of qualitative research, enabling companies to collect more data, faster and at a fraction of the cost - while providing a truer picture of the consumer experience. Already generating revenue, Revelation is poised to become the end-to-end platform for qualitative customer understanding and knowledge management.

RNA Networks - www.rnanetworks.com

RNA networks is the pioneer of collaborative cache technology for the enterprise data center. A core architectural building block for the data center, RNAcache provides companies in high-volume transaction and content delivery industries with large-scale cache resources to reach microsecond latency, eliminate performance bottlenecks and achieve high-speed certified messaging.

SplashCast - www.splashcastmedia.com

SplashCast is the leading content syndication service for emerging media. It enables brands to engage with typically elusive audiences by creating micro-channels of continuously-refreshed content consumers value, interact with, and can share with other people. SplashCast syndicates content to emerging media including online social networks, mobile devices, IPTV and desktops.

Tamarac, Inc. - www.tamaracinc.com

Tamarac Advisor™ is the leading portfolio rebalancing and trading platform used by hundreds of advisory firms to dramatically scale their business more profitably. Tamarac’s web-based software automates portfolio construction and maintenance, portfolio monitoring and analysis, cash management, rebalancing, tax management, trading, post-trade reconciliation.

Topaz Bridge - www.topazbridge.com

Topaz Bridge makes enterprise-class HR software applications that combine the power and flexibility of Microsoft SharePoint with the strength and control of SAP. We realize true strategic impact for large companies by saving millions of dollars, while dramatically improving employee satisfaction and maintaining the security and structure of corporate data.

Wi-Chi – www.wi-chi.com

Wi-Chi designs, manufacturers, and markets highly reliable and efficient nano-inverters for solar PV systems. Driven by a highly experienced team of innovators, Wi-Chi’s proprietary and miniaturized inverters achieve 25 year reliability at significantly reduced cost. Wi-Chi is focused on simplifying installation and enabling solar technologies to achieve grid parity for broad market adoption.

About Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

Founded in 1991, the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to providing opportunities for Oregon entrepreneurs and improving the business climate for emerging, growth-oriented companies statewide. The organization has members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. For more information about the OEN, visit its website at www.oen.org.

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News Media Inquiries, please contact:
Jeff Fishburn
OnPR for Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
503-802-4408
jefff@onpr.com

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Amber Case is an Internet Marketing Professional and is a member of Portland’s SEMPDX. She’s worked with a variety of clients - and enjoys teaching individuals and small/medium sized companies how to create and maintain an online presence. You can contact her at caseorganic at gmail.com or on Twitter @caseorganic.

 

 Hazelnut Tech Talk Episode 7 [26:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (379)

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Hazelnut Tech Talk is a collaboration between Amber Case and Bram Pitoyo.

Our seventh episode was recorded the evening after Bear and Blog and features Steven Walling, Wikipedia Extraordinaire and chicken tender who works with Wiki inventor Ward Cunningham at Portland’s AboutUs.org, wherein we talked about using Wiki as an academic source (and getting an A for it), Recent Changes Camp 2009, The Wikipedia Manual of Style, breakfast, lunch and dinner, sleeping under the stars and by the river, guinea pigs, User Bots, and trees, snakes, owls and grapevines

A lot of user frustration is caused by unreliable information experiences. Contact and location information is often ill-placed or absent on business websites. Because of this, the user spends an unnecessary amount of time wayfinding instead of contacting the business. This leads to user frustration and business losses, not to mention time lost on the side of the user.

Enter AboutUs.org. It’s like Wikipedia/Phone Book/Search Engine/Social Networking - all in one. It provides a consistent and cheery user experience, while data mining the needed contact and location information that a user needs…quickly and quietly.

Plus, users can augment every page of the site to expand information about a business or topic, because AboutUs is a Wiki. Users can have profiles, interests and groups. They can find others based on their interests/edits. They can upload photos and stories about themselves in Wiki format.

AboutUs.org is based in Portland, too! In fact, I recently visited their location and was terribly impressed by their corporate environment. Being there gave me renewed ambitions for what Japanense futurist Mr. Masuda wrote about in his book about the future: The Information Society as Post Industrial Society.

AboutUs looks like it could be another step towards a bright future of coworking and cocreation of knowledge and ideas.

Tonight, my friends Heather and Max and I went to the WikiWednesday Open House event at Portland’s AboutUs.org. We met Wiki Inventor Ward Cunningham.

The event consisted of a networking session followed by a conference in critical thinking led by Ward. We discussed the current manifestation of Wikipedia, the future of the Wiki, and it’s limitations. The notes I took there will form the basis of a new series of posts and a few papers.

After the conference, Ward talked about AOL, the endless September of the Internet. Before the net was open to the masses, college students used to have to deal with the new waves of college students that were just learning to use the Internet every September. After a month or so, the Freshmen would learn how to use the Internet correctly and everyone would continue to improve the system as a whole.

Then AOL arrived on the scene. The September never ended. Not everyone ever figured out how to use the web like the generations of college students before them. Thus, AOL became termed as the “endless September”.