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Instructables Book now in hands of mere mortals...(spoiler alert)

First off, naa-naa-na-na-na. I got my copy of the Best of Instructables, actually two that I purchased.

The first copy has been thumbed through so much it is getting dog-eared. I would say it is a good mix of topics even though so much had to be left out.

Which leads me to this rating, one thumbs up and one thumbs down.

Kiteman was only quoted once - the Ubiquitous Kiteman, dang, I'm gonna have to look that one up , and listed in the back index.

There was only a text list of winners for the favorites from the contest. No little pictures to show the final project.

There is an acknowledgement page listing people and projects that were cut due to page limitations. Don't feel bad, even Kipkay made it on the list.

There was a lot of stuff in the book I have not seen before so it just makes you want to wish for an easy way to scroll through everything on Instructables.

The most interesting thing is the little tidbit bio's on the instructable's author/creator. This is quite a diverse community.

I hope there will be a Volume II soon.

edit- It was pointed out that Kiteman also wrote one of the intros.
The book seems relatively Knex free except a few mentions in the contest listing. Good or bad depending on how you look at it.

DSCF1448.jpg
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31
The Jamalam says: Feb 14, 2009. 4:55 AM
And what's wrong with knex?
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to The JamalamFeb 14, 2009. 9:59 AM
I don't think there is really anything wrong with Knex as opposed to many that are annoyed by it. It seems there is a "subculture" of Knex and that is what probably bugs the more older people. I think it is cool that you can create or model something with it. I would have made knex stuff if it were around in my day. But the way Knex'ers go discussing things or acting in a way to encourage or discourage builiding things seems a bit immature. So there is a general perception that has become negative in a way, kinda like rap music, take it or leave it. There is a knex fascination with weapons of all sorts. Since we can access more tools and materials, Knex would not be a first choice for prototyping something so maybe things that get created are compared to the real thing as toy-like. Nothing wrong with Knex. It's not a bad thing to start out with.
31
The Jamalam in reply to caitlinsdadFeb 14, 2009. 10:08 AM
I apreciate there is a subculture of k'nexers on the site, but if you look at the vast majority of k'nexers, particularly the ones that don't completely dedicate their lives on the site, such as me and others(who have posted things other than k'nex contraptions), they tend to be more friendly and respected than other k'nexers. Seing as this is a site for Make, how to, and DIY, I think that k'nex fits in quite nicely in that it is a brilliant building medium that simply fits together and comes apart. However I don't think it should dominate the site because there are so many things that can't be managed with k'nex.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to The JamalamFeb 14, 2009. 10:22 AM
I actually find it quite refreshing that a Knex'er does put up other non-related instructables. It's the one-trick ponies that are more vocal that seem to set the overall tone possibly ruining it for others.
31
The Jamalam in reply to caitlinsdadFeb 14, 2009. 10:36 AM
exactly. Its those people who give the whole lot of us a bad reputation. Perhaps this is why a lot of the more varied k'nexers are moving over to k'nexinnovation.net, because a lot of people view us all as the same stereotypical angry k'nexer.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to The JamalamFeb 14, 2009. 10:44 AM
You, Sir, are OK. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to have a normal civil intelligent conversation. I'm sure you have a lot more to contribute to Instructables, don't pack up and leave.
31
The Jamalam in reply to caitlinsdadFeb 14, 2009. 10:47 AM
Thanks :D and don't worry, I'm not planning to leave this site for a very long time!
44
Bartboy says: Dec 1, 2008. 10:02 PM
I wish instructables would make one book for each theme, tech , knex, cooking, you know like that. Then they could make a collectors edition with all of them in one, and customized for mail order only with the users name engraved in gold on the inside. That would be sweet!!
169
Kiteman says: Oct 25, 2008. 5:43 AM
Oh...

I understand that the "prize" copies were supposed to going in the mail this week just ending, but mail services from the US to UK are so slow ...

>frustration<
32
=SMART= in reply to KitemanNov 10, 2008. 11:13 AM
Hey, Have you got yours yet ?? im still waiting...................
169
Kiteman in reply to =SMART=Nov 10, 2008. 12:02 PM
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
32
=SMART= in reply to KitemanNov 10, 2008. 2:41 PM
...well if you got yours already mine shouldn't be long
1
Chicken2209 in reply to KitemanNov 10, 2008. 12:30 PM
I'll pencil you down for maybe
32
=SMART= in reply to Chicken2209Nov 10, 2008. 2:40 PM
Hahaha
169
Kiteman in reply to Chicken2209Nov 10, 2008. 12:31 PM
Thud.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to KitemanOct 25, 2008. 10:47 AM
Nicely written tome on geeks. You have thrown the gauntlet down to the art world and will invoke their ire to debate you on creativity, but we all know there is room for all.
169
Kiteman in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 10:56 AM
Haha, I was inspired when they asked me to write that (it all flowed as one piece, with only a couple of minor tweaks on my part, though I don't know what the editors did to it).

Actually, I don't know about other posters here, but I seem to be able to do that quite easily - give me a theme or a title, and I can bang out two or three hundred words of cod philosophy without much effort.
9
kelseymh in reply to KitemanNov 10, 2008. 12:20 PM
[ Kiteman's comment percolated up when =SMART= followed up to Kiteman above. So I'm late; so sue me :-) ]

Kiteman wrote, "Give me a theme or a title, and I can bang out two or three hundred words of cod philosophy without much effort." I can do that, too (see some of my postings in various threads), but probably shouldn't ;->
1
Chicken2209 in reply to kelseymhNov 10, 2008. 12:21 PM
see you in court my good friend
169
Kiteman in reply to Chicken2209Nov 10, 2008. 12:25 PM
As an expert witness?
1
Chicken2209 in reply to KitemanNov 10, 2008. 12:33 PM
I'm sorry, it didn't say so sue me Kiteman, so I figured it was open. I'll let you have this one
16
Lithium Rain in reply to KitemanOct 25, 2008. 5:10 PM
Yeah, writings not too hard for me, knowing when my work is good or bad is the problem.
69
Tool Using Animal in reply to KitemanOct 25, 2008. 1:23 PM
Since Caitlinsdad has confirmed that they used my less than erudite scribbles, I can just hope they had a god editor.
9
kelseymh in reply to Tool Using AnimalNov 10, 2008. 12:21 PM
[ Another late post, since the thread is just sitting here in front of me... ] It would be nice to have a god editor, but I think Moses has been dead for a while...
69
Tool Using Animal in reply to Tool Using AnimalOct 25, 2008. 1:25 PM
errm good
19
bumpus in reply to Tool Using AnimalOct 25, 2008. 1:29 PM
Me thinks you need your own editor! :D
69
Tool Using Animal in reply to bumpusOct 25, 2008. 2:22 PM
you should see my IM's, degenerate scrawl...
19
bumpus in reply to Tool Using AnimalOct 25, 2008. 2:31 PM
You should see my chicken-scratch of handwriting, illegible markings...
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to bumpusOct 25, 2008. 1:39 PM
and you Sir, may need an agent. You are famous with your Altoid Geetar pic and a listing in the back index right above burger,mushroom.
19
bumpus in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 1:56 PM
Yaaay! I can't wait till I get my book... Snail-mail sucks... :(
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to KitemanOct 25, 2008. 11:04 AM
cod philosophy?
sounds fishy to me...goodhart

I know, dang keyboard again...
3
NachoMahma in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 11:53 AM
. When I first read it, I thought he might have meant "odd philosophy," but, no, there is such a thing as cod philosophy. Those silly Brits!
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to NachoMahmaOct 25, 2008. 12:07 PM
...Blinded me with science... - Thomas Dolby lyric
169
Kiteman in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 1:20 PM
Magnus Pyke!


135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to KitemanOct 25, 2008. 1:41 PM
Your mentor or role model?
169
Kiteman in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 1:59 PM
One of my heroes.
143
ewilhelm says: Nov 8, 2008. 9:41 AM
I'm glad you liked the book. Do me a favor by writing a review on Amazon -- Volume II depends strongly on the sales of Volume I. The size and timing of the book presented a challenge, and that's why we didn't include more. When printing a book, a bunch of pages are printed on one big sheet, cut apart, and bound together. So, adding one more page can be more costly than adding another 24 pages (or however many...). Getting the book ready for Austin Maker Faire put us on a very tight deadline, and what you see was literally all we had time to put together. Another 24 pages would have made us miss the deadline. Obviously there's so much more to the Instructables community than can be shown in a book, so I view the book as a way to introduce Instructables to new people. Even though it's called the "Best Of ...," it's a launch pad into our website, and not the ultimate collection of it.
16
Lithium Rain in reply to ewilhelmNov 10, 2008. 1:24 PM
Okay, I did a review on the publisher's website.
16
Lithium Rain in reply to ewilhelmNov 10, 2008. 12:49 PM
Is there another site we could write reviews on? I have the same problem as caitlinsdad, but would still be more than happy to write a positive review.
1
Chicken2209 in reply to Lithium RainNov 10, 2008. 12:50 PM
me too! but I don't have a book But I could still do it better yet, send me one then I'll write you a review
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to ewilhelmNov 8, 2008. 5:01 PM
I do not have an account on Amazon and a relative did the purchase. You need to purchase something from Amazon and I am not sure if it had to be the item in question in order to write a review. I do understand the constraints involved with producing the book and there is only so much you can do with a tight deadline. I do hope a Volume II is in the works.
32
Lftndbt says: Oct 26, 2008. 4:24 AM
I'm still hoping I atleast get a mention for being cut. That would be tops to have my name in print... (Not that I have been told I'm cut just assuming the worst, so I don't get dissapointed.)
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to LftndbtOct 26, 2008. 8:16 PM
Well, my friend, you are famous for your multi-tool pic in Top Tool Tips! They probably had to proofread your username twice to get it right.
32
Lftndbt in reply to caitlinsdadOct 27, 2008. 12:26 AM
Oh, that is just too good to be true. Thanks for the early notice, you have put my mind to rest. Now I'm desperate to see it. I can't believe I got a pic in there.
22
I_am_Canadian says: Oct 24, 2008. 7:39 PM
I want mine! To bad there are no photos... Oh well.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to I_am_CanadianOct 24, 2008. 7:59 PM
You and bannana inventor are the only ones anywhere in the book to have a four letter word next to them - knex.
22
I_am_Canadian in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 12:51 PM
Cool! Like, Do the only instructables that say anything beside them?
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to I_am_CanadianOct 25, 2008. 1:11 PM
You are number 13 on the double-spaced contest winner list.
"Knex Heavy Cannon I_am_Canadian /Knex Heavy Cannon"
is your claim to fame. Instructable, Member Name, and URL is all there is to the three page list.

Each of the full instructables look like the pdf you download without a lot of the fluff, and only one or two selected comments with a tiny bit about the author.
22
I_am_Canadian in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 2:14 PM
That sounds so cool. Thanks very much! I hope I get mine soon.
17
Gjdj3 in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 7:03 AM
Lol.
31
GorillazMiko says: Oct 24, 2008. 5:58 PM
Hopefully I'm getting one soon.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to GorillazMikoOct 24, 2008. 6:03 PM
I don't care what anybody says about you, you still deserve a chapter in the book.
31
GorillazMiko in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 11:22 AM
I wish... Maybe Volume II..
3
NachoMahma in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 7:05 PM
. He already has two chapters in the DSM. heehee
31
GorillazMiko in reply to NachoMahmaOct 25, 2008. 11:22 AM
HAHAHA funny.
17
Gjdj3 in reply to NachoMahmaOct 25, 2008. 7:04 AM
Haha, nice.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to NachoMahmaOct 24, 2008. 7:16 PM
Hmmmmm, you could throw the book at him. Wait, don't mention that...
69
Tool Using Animal in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 7:01 PM
I'll second that.
173
fungus amungus says: Oct 24, 2008. 4:12 PM
Kiteman wrote the whole intro for the Science section. You need to look in the index under Langford :)
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to fungus amungusOct 24, 2008. 4:24 PM
You're right. Crispy new book, must have skipped that part skimming through the intros.
3
NachoMahma in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 5:24 PM
> Crispy new book . Yeah. That's as good of an excuse as any, I suppose.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to NachoMahmaOct 24, 2008. 5:26 PM
A bad excuse is the pages were stuck together and I bought the book for the pictures...
17
CameronSS in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 11:22 PM
Do you also subscribe to National Geographic?
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to CameronSSOct 25, 2008. 10:59 AM
Send me the gift subscription when you renew yours this year. haha.
5
skunkbait in reply to CameronSSOct 24, 2008. 11:26 PM
Hahaa!
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to skunkbaitOct 25, 2008. 11:01 AM
I heard that snicker from the bushes...
6
zachninme in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 7:47 PM
I'm guilty of that... reading something and then wind up just staring at the diagrams :P
69
Tool Using Animal in reply to zachninmeOct 24, 2008. 7:52 PM
I dun lyk the pikchur books to.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to Tool Using AnimalOct 24, 2008. 8:12 PM
Is that lowcountry leet you speak?
19
bumpus in reply to caitlinsdadOct 25, 2008. 11:18 AM
INTERNET MEME! INTERNET MEME! :O
18
Labot2001 in reply to bumpusOct 25, 2008. 11:28 AM
Never. All memes are born from 4chan.

Although it'd be ultra-uber-dooper cool if a meme came from ibles...
169
Kiteman in reply to Labot2001Oct 25, 2008. 11:46 AM
Maybe the Laws?
18
Labot2001 in reply to KitemanOct 26, 2008. 7:06 AM
I suppose that's a meme within Ibles but not necessarily an Internet-wide meme. Sorry, Kiteman ;-)
169
Kiteman in reply to Labot2001Oct 26, 2008. 7:45 AM
I just meant, they're the nearest thing we have to a unique meme that could evolve to a wider use on other forums.

Unless you count "add an LED and house it in an Altoids tin".
18
Labot2001 in reply to KitemanOct 26, 2008. 10:16 AM
Haha, nicee.
3
NachoMahma in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 5:31 PM
. ROFLMAO
17
Gjdj3 says: Oct 25, 2008. 7:04 AM
I'm excited now waiting for mine to come! It looks good (even if you did give it one thumb down).
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to Gjdj3Oct 25, 2008. 9:53 AM
The one thumb down was meant really from the viewpoint the fans hoping to be in the book. Kind of anti-climatical when it turns out a mention is only a mention. The book is a good teaser for all others though.
4
AnarchistAsian says: Oct 24, 2008. 7:02 PM
yay i'll get one soon. i may win the 1929 contest prize, but if not, i'll just go and buy one...
17
CameronSS says: Oct 24, 2008. 5:01 PM
Still waiting for mine...
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to CameronSSOct 24, 2008. 5:21 PM
I had a relative pre-order it on Amazon a little while back. You should get yours soon.
17
CameronSS in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 6:57 PM
*happy*
107
killerjackalope says: Oct 24, 2008. 5:21 PM
Oh that's not fair! I'm waiting for mine...
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to killerjackalopeOct 24, 2008. 5:30 PM
Oooooooooo, you have page 5 in the lower right hand corner. Scrap Lamp - IKEA hack picture.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 5:45 PM
and honorable mention #74 from the contest.
107
killerjackalope in reply to caitlinsdadOct 24, 2008. 5:37 PM
You sunnava... I would have enjoyed leafing through looking for that not to mention the jet, it was a bit confusing when I got the PM about that lamp, I didn't think it was of that much consequence then it occurred to me the picture looked good.
43
Brennn10 says: Oct 24, 2008. 5:39 PM
Haven't received mine yet. Hopefully soon.
22
KentsOkay says: Oct 24, 2008. 3:42 PM
I was slightly disappointed I didn't get a picture in, just a mention.
135
caitlinsdad (author) in reply to KentsOkayOct 24, 2008. 3:48 PM
Yeah, it would have been nice to just point to The Shirt. I was counting on you to carry the torch into the arena and tag along...
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