computing

Civic Geek Catalog Update 12/21/2014

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The latest updates to the Civic Geek catalog are here!  Be sure to visit the main site for the entire rundown sorted by Geeky Interest or Focus.

Computing

  • Charitable Work
    • DataKind – Helps connect data experts with good causes – and they’re looking for help from data techs, managers, and more!

General

  • Charitable Work
    • Kirkland Geek Gala – A geek event that raises funds for Seattle Children’s Hospital via Extra Life.
  • Collectibles
  • Education
    • Donors Choose – An online charity that helps you fund education intiatives in a project stile.

STEM

  • Citizen Science
    • SciFiles – Uses grassroots, micro-donations, and showcasing vetted projects to promote scientific advancement – with a heavy emhpasis on civilian science.

Writing/Reading

  • Books
    • Books To Prisoners – A US charity that sends free books to prisoners across the Unitied States, with a focus on self-improvement, education, and stopping recidivism.
  • Literacy
    • Alaska Literacy Program – An Alaska-based literacy charity with an emphasis on training and certifying teachers and tutors to impart reading, writing, and speaking skills.
    • Book Ends – A nonprofit focusing on empowering children through literacy and a focus on leadership in communities.
    • Family Reading Partners – A coalition of people and organizations that promotes literacy via family reading practices.
    • Reach Out And Read – A nonprofit organization of medical providers who promote literacy and school readiness in pediatric care with parental advice.
  • Military Support

– Steven Savage

Steven Savage is a Geek 2.0 writer, speaker, blogger, and job coach.  He blogs on careers at http://www.musehack.com/, publishes books on career and culture at http://www.informotron.com/, and does a site of creative tools at http://www.seventhsanctum.com/. He can be reached at https://www.stevensavage.com/.

What We Want In Computers Is What We Want In Games

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Some time ago I wrote an essay that what people wanted in their computers was what they wanted in their neighborhoods: simple, accessible, clear. It was a strange essay, but one I think that made a point about how we often want similar things in seemly different and unrelated situations and technologies. It won't surprise you that I have another strange metaphor to yank out of the air and explore: that what we want in games is what we want in our technologies these days.

Let me back up for moment. Lately I've been trying to understand some of the trends in gaming, because frankly they don't make a lot of sense. We have an onslaught of casual games. We have vastly successful and complex MMOs. We have gaming appearing on every conceivable platform. I've wanted to get a grasp of these trends: and I think I have.

My take? That trends in computing and trends in gaming reflecting overall trend in culture and technology.

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