Welcome everyone! So happy to launch this project space. I have created a 'Playground Guide' - a First timers guide. This will be an evergreen guide, meaning it is going to change and adapt as you all see fit. So if you want to see something new or different, speak up! Here is the down and dirty What is the Playground? Maker Space - a place to make! Space to Create Freely Place to Connect What it isn't A place to gripe, complain, shoot down other projects. There is a fine line between debating the efficiency of other peoples projects, and being overly critical. This is a place to inspire, so take care of your fellow members playing and creating. Maker Space... what is that? "A place in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge." Are there rules? This is a space where everyone is welcome and which inspires creativity and collaboration. Some activities will make you think critically, others will turn your thoughts into action. We support a maker culture where: everyone shares responsibility for safety we help one another and are receptive to feedback we support one another innovation is encouraged positive experiences are created. How to use this space This space is designed to grow and evolve with the needs and wants of those using it. So first and foremost, if you see something, or have an idea that could be useful for the function of the space, let the admins know! There are two main parts of the Playground that everything else either feeds into, or diverges from. These are the 'Forum' and the 'Project Library'. The Forum The forum is a place to read up on others projects, ideas, or information about tools, software and more. It is also a place to perhaps find people to collaborate with on an idea you have. Remember the following when using the Forum: Be respectful. When sharing projects or posting comments, remember that people of many different ages and backgrounds will see what you’ve shared. Be constructive. When commenting on others' projects, say something you like about it and offer suggestions. Share. You are free to remix projects, ideas, images, or anything else you find on Scratch – and anyone can use anything that you share. Be sure to give credit when you remix. Be honest. Don’t try to impersonate other members, spread rumors, or otherwise try to trick the community. Help keep the site friendly If you think a project or comment is mean, insulting, too violent, or otherwise inappropriate, let us know about it. The Project Library This is the place where people share projects that they have either completed or are working on. It is a place that you can look for inspiration or ideas. The projects range from actual kites, to using kites for a science, setting world records, art installations, and more! There is no limit!! The only requirement for submitting a project to the library is that it is somehow involves kites. Anyone can submit a project. There is no expectation that you share detailed plans or blueprints for your project. You can share as little or as much as you want. Remember tho, that when you share your project, it becomes a 'public record'. Others may be inspired by what you have done and seek to recreate or build upon it. We are actually trying to encourage that action, and encourage people to take an idea and run with it! Is there more coming? YES!!! There is a lot more that we are already working on. Including a direct mentor program, online workshops, and a video library. Just to name a few! If there is something you think should be included or that you would like to see, speak up! Ultimately, the Playground will grow to suit the needs of the people using it. Random FAQ I have an Idea, where do I get started? Perhaps the best place to get started is the forum. Here you can pitch your idea, find people to work with, information about tools and resources. I submitted a Project, but I need to make updates... what do I do? Just submit another one via the 'new project submission' and one of our admins will compare the previous submission with the current one and update it. Soon we will have a more direct way for this to happen. It will help if use the same project name. I submitted a Project but it isn't showing in the project library! Every project submission goes into a queue before it is published. This helps us make sure the site is not being flooded with spam and inappropriate content. It may take a few days for an administrator to look over the submission and hit the approve button. Can I link my project or share it as proof of what I did? Absolutely! That is part of the reason we created the Playground, is to capture all of these cool ideas and things that are happening. Share away! Final Note From Nic O'Neill - Owner of Fortuna Found I have been fortunate enough to surround myself with people that help drive and inspire my creativity. They are what I affectionately call my professional enablers. In reality, they are so much more than that. They are friends, mentors, and guides. They inspire and encourage, they critique and engage. They are amazing. The Playground is a space that is alive because of them. I wanted to share the amazing energy and creative spirit that happens when we are working on something. So please use this space. Use it to ask questions, to engage, to inspire. Everyone has some expertise in something, everyone has something to share. Share your knowledge, share your enthusiasm, share.