Anyone using smoke signals? http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073 That Guy You Met Once I've found it's an interesting medium. Everyone's main complaint seems to be that if you write for too long, your blanket dries out and catches fire. Sure, that takes some getting used to, but it's actually a pretty good way to keep you from getting too lost in your story. A lot of authors argue over what code to use, too. I’m going with the Boy Scout method. No disrespect to anyone using the Indian method, but it’s hard enough when you only have three basic signals to work with without having to worry about translations varying from tribe to tribe. Most of the more subtle puns and wordplay get lost get lost that way. The Greek method averts that problem, but it’s just so pretentious. I don’t want to look like a hipster. The "ingredients" you add to your fire can really alter your work's tone. Most horror and suspense authors prefer a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and the dung of the Siberian Wolf for the rich, moody blacks it produces - they say it gives your novel a very visceral and noir feel. But I’m writing a romantic comedy, so but I’ve found that plain old green wood works just fine for a more lighthearted piece like that. Call me old-fashioned, but I just can’t bring myself to use garbage. Sure, my neighbors are getting angry that I’m cutting down all their trees, but that’s just the price of art. Stories written with garbage just don’t have that warm, nostalgic feel. As a word of warning, avoid chemical accelerants. I know a guy who was writing an action series, and tried to use Napalm-B to give it that extra kick. They found him twenty feet away from his pit, with his face melted off and third-degree burns over 90% of his body. Oh well. No one liked that guy, anyway. Always showing off. Also, Florida has very few hills, so I have to start fires on the roof of my apartment building. The fire department objects to that, but fuck them. They don’t understand my art. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:55:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_819180 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_819180 DeathOfScythes Tried it for awhile. After I got wrist clamps I started to work on a keyboard controlled smoke signal control system, with electromechanical linkages to the motor driven blanket and real-time additives. Then I spent more time working on the control code than the actual novel. Then it started raining, which was bad for both the fire and the SSCS. The rain shorted out the control gear, which caused the hydraulics to leak fluid, which was flammable enough that even in the rain the entire system went up in flames. My horticulturist says the lawn will never be the same. Plus, smoke signals are kinda hard to back up, and this year's nano back end doesn't have a working ss validate. And drunk writing + fire == A trip to the burn unit. Although that may work to your advantage, as hospital rooms are quiet, low distraction places to novel, you can ask the nurses or doctors about medical and/or golf related questions, and writing on morphine becomes an option. Remember, morphine is just an opiate, and opium is what launched Samuel Taylor Coleridge to fame. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:35:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_819636 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_819636 Generalist Be aware that smoke signals in Southern California may get you into BIG trouble with the local pollution control agencies. They might do a helicopter water drop to put out your message generator. And if it is fire season, the fire department may come down on your case. Note that places like the San Gabriel Valley had campfire smoke related problems long before the car appeared. Smog, or the equivalent, has long been a problem in the area due to the inversion layer. And that was long before millions of people moved to the area. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:04:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_819981 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_819981 davidben2001 I wanted to write my story with cave paintings, but I just couldn't get the technique. After finding a Neanderthal hiding in a nearby cave, I'm using smoke signals to tell him the story, and he translates it into the cave paintings for me. I haven't yet figured out how I'm going to get the cave paintings into the validator. I might need to use the "A picture is worth a thousand words" conversion. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:00:04 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_824110 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_824110 KelinciHutan Can this thread be in the procrastination station right now? :) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 21:01:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835126 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835126 jenifar_kd The hardest thing with smoke signals is validating them. It only works if you use smoke-cloud computing :) Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:21:39 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_839073 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_839073 Generalist You could always validate the messages by sending carrier pigeons. You may need a larger supply though. Smoked pigeon can be tasty if you're really hungry. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:24:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_843789 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_843789 Dragonchilde [quote=KelinciHutan] Can this thread be in the procrastination station right now? :) [/quote] Yes. :) Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:31:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875472 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875472 Princess Binky Lemontwist People seriously use smoke signals for their stories!?!?!?!?!?!?! How do you back up your story then? Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:14:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875864 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875864 solomonj Well, it's just a series of photographs, so Dropbox can work if you have the right phone. Picasa is okay, too. That's what I use for my sand writing on the beach. I've found that a finger and wet sand require less upkeep than a fire for smoke signals. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:25:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875955 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875955 DirkJanLaan Hire someone, preferably with good imitation skills and a proper memory, and order him/her to repeat all the signs you... signaled. Obviously. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:26:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875966 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875966 hazeltwilight I find the smoke signal method doesn't fix very well for my scifi story. At the moment I'm using the more contemporary method with gas fires, but it's just not giving me that rich smoke I want (or really much at all). I'm trying to see if I can cut out the fire entirely as it really just creates this woman homely feeling that just reads as contradicting towards the futuristic feel I'm going for. I'm debating holographic fire as a replacement. I know everyone says it's not just as good as the real thing, but as long as it gets the message across and creates the same general emotions in the viewer what does it matter if the smoke is real or false anyway? Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:30:59 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875998 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_875998 hazeltwilight I meant WARM homely feeling... my smoke signal translator must have messed up again. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:33:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_876020 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_876020 ReeCashel Doesn't your flashdrive work with smoke signals? Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:08:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_876366 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_876366 ReeCashel Unfortunately I killed my MC's mother who could conjure fire, so smoke signals are a lot harder than shaving the words into my love interest's pet lion. If you don't lose the word count collar and remember to allow for a 24-hour regrowth period it works pretty well. Just make sure that someone can control him, loosing your hands to a lion can be detrimantal to word count. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:13:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_876424 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_876424 Biel Haha I love you. Reading this was quite a nice break from novel drama. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:26:36 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_876553 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_876553 pinksakura84 perhaps you could work something out using flashing lasers? Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:06:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_877607 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_877607 Draba This is hilarious. I think I'll use burnt toast as my medium. If I finish my homework I can stop by the grocery store and buy all the bread they have and burn it in my toaster oven to create the right mood. Smoke, loud noises, flashing lights... rain... perfect noveling atmosphere for someone as behind as I am. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:31:15 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_878531 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_878531 weloveyoujamesarness Personally I like the Red Green method of smoke signals. You simply cut the bottom out of a wastebasket that has a pedal top, carry it up on your roof, and slap it over your chimney. Then you drill a hole underneath it and duct tape a bunch of hockey sticks together and attach them through the roof to the pedal. Then all you have to do is pull on the sticks and they open and close the wastebasket lid and do all the work for you. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:55:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_878826 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_878826 Ruth Cooke I wish I'd seen this thread earlier. In chapter four or so, I burnt down my characters' home, a dragon mistook the burning palace for another dragon, and had her baby right in the field in front, after being almost killed by another dragon. Lots of smoke and fire, and I could have turned it into words and avoided all that typing. Oh, well. I'll remember this next year, or maybe I'll burn down a whole village in the next chapter, and finish up this way. :D Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:09:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_879022 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_879022 Beautiful Illusion Oh my goodness. I love this thread. So much. I may have to try my mother's tried and tested 'wrap a potato in tinfoil and put it in the microwave' method for the remainder of this month. Works like a charm. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:54:35 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_879667 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_879667 Sean Austin Smoke signals are all well and good but CD's and microwaves are the future. Basically the microwave reads your mind and flashes the thoughts onto the disc. Still haven't found any way of interpreting the cracks yet though..... Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:24:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_880790 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_880790 theanab Seriously, folks? You are still using the old blanket method? We all know that real writers prefer the welding striker and ethanol method... Just MAKE SURE YOUR LAB BENCH IS FIREPROOF! Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:26:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_881561 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_881561 DorianxGrey I feel like kind of a newb for asking, but exactly are smoke signals? Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:23:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_882264 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_882264 davidben2001 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_signal Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:14:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_882833 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_882833 Ang.Hatch I just burnt my bag of popcorn as I got so distracted by all of your hilarious comments. I guess I'm good to go with the smoke signals now cause my house if full of burnt popcorn smoke. Now stop distracting me, people and get back to work!! :0) Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:28:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_883663 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_883663 Chocolatequeen *scours thread for ways spies could communicate* I'm afraid I'm sticking with the bland computer methodology for writing my novel, but I do have two spies in Regency England who need to communicate somehow. Smoke signals might work, but the idea of sending messages through strategically burned pieces of toast appeals even more. If it's burned on the buttered side, that means "Come on in." If it's burned on the other side, the message is, "Stay away." And if it's burned on both sides? "We never had this conversation." This piece of toast will self-destruct in five seconds... Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:23:15 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884178 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884178 stevielee9293 I feel stupid because I don't understand any of the lingo used in this thread:( Are you guys really burning stuff down? That's not very safe. &gt;:/ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:46:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884319 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884319 Generalist I make the assumption that the EPA is watching for signs of smoke and am doing the recording. Using a web cam also works. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:12:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884497 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884497 Generalist We're not burning things down, we're using proven technology from centuries back. We do have to be careful in places like California and Texas. With the fires they have been having, they get paranoid when they see smoke. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:15:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884517 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884517 Chocolatequeen Not to mention the Clean Air Act in Washington. I have to be more than 25 feet away from the door of any public building when I use my smoke signals.. that really puts a damper on write-ins at coffee shops and libraries. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:28:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884598 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884598 FreelanceSunshine Such a shame my characters were in hiding and were afraid to use fire and attract anyone such as authorities. I would have enjoyed using smoke signals, I've used them before. Got into a debate over whether tree sap such as pine or an oil or gas burns better and I singed by hair. My hair sent up quite the signal though and got my point across. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:42:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884665 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_884665 asarumi Great idea, my character was lost in the woods and found her way out but there's still time to go back and send smoke signals. :-) Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:33:59 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_886524 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_886524 GypsyLuc While I did not use smoke signals to write my novel, I did hoard up all the rough drafts in a pile next to my desk. Finally, the book was finished so I grabbed my lighter... The local paper reported on the 3-alarm blaze. Apparently, it was a celebratory ritual of some sort from a cult called the Wrimos. No one was injured. However, there was extensive property damage. The dense cloud of luminous smoke is still hovering over the town &amp; shows no sign of disipating. Its exact content is unknown but authorities are investigating whether or not it poses any threat. Some residents have reported seeing strange symbols in the cloud. "Hogwash!" proclaimed the mayor. No arrests have been made. Little else is known at this time.. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:29:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_886899 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_886899 Luthian11235813 You, sir, are officially awesome in this NaNo-er's estimation! Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:36:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_886951 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_886951 writer_mercia HAHAHAHAH. Thank you so much for this thread. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:27:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_887354 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_887354 Lippa I just love it how this is taking Write or Die to completely new level. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:13:35 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_887748 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_887748 rtrjuanab To "The Guy You Met Once" "6 days ago"!: Thanks for this thread. It seems you brought out the loveliest, wittiest group ever. Thanks for giving me some ideas at this late moment. I'm just keepin' on - typing - and then gonna enter at the last moment and see what wordcount exists, so thanks for helping. BEST Regards to all here. Jean Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:30:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_889570 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_889570 acsander YOU. You are amazing. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:11:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_890091 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_890091 Kittycat4ever I'm debating about using gunshots for my next novel. I think the neighbors won't mind to much. Or maybe I could teach my dog to read my mind and have him bark it for me. Or maybe a series of pictures decripting my novel. I can't seem to decide. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:31:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_890325 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_890325 Kittycat4ever That.Is.Genius.=) Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:36:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_890389 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_890389 aliaswriter What a novel idea. And here all this time I've been using morse code. And everyone KNOWS there's some serious flaws with that method. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:39:38 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_891217 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_891217 MissTheGround Frankly, I cannot understand why you would ever suggest using smoke signals. Imagine the pain somebody would go through while novelling if their book was about woodland creatures, sentient trees, or even strange blue creatures on another planet which was being conquered by the US army for its inexhaustible supply of an obtusely named metal. Your insensitivity astounds me. For those novelists who prefer a greener and more woodland creature friendly method of writing, I highly recommend finding a large stretch of a beach and writing with a stick. As long as you get it all done before the tide comes in, it's an excellent alternative. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:18:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_891709 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_891709 Generalist That metal wasn't obtusely named. It has a long history in the field of Science Fiction as being the mystery metal/element that solves all the problems in the universe. Not many people dared to use the name though. Cameron may have been the first to use it in something that had a lot of exposure. The metal does pose an interesting question. What types of problems would you have with dealing with smoke signals and floating mountains? Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:44:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892007 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892007 KoralLovesRainbowz Umm...I feel dumb but...how do you write with smoke signals? I don't get it... Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:17:04 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892422 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892422 davidben2001 It really depends on your method. Different cultures used different signals. If you don't have a favorite type of smoke signal to use, make up your own: One puff of smoke = A Two puffs of smoke = B Three puffs of smoke = C Etc... Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:28:15 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892532 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892532 KelinciHutan It seems like that would take ages to spell out a word like "size," though. Or "realize." ...I suppose if you used British spelling for the second, you could shave a few puffs off. You'd gain them all back spelling out words like "favourite," though. ;) Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:34:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892603 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892603 Mercenary_Pen Perhaps so, but that's why some of the more modern systems have developed shorthand for certain words, or use small amounts of chemical additives to change the colour or thickness of the smoke, making it possible to get every letter in a maximum of three puffs of smoke (though using modern encoding, you will require laboratory goggles and a breath mask). Unfortunately, most encoding systems for smoke signals haven't yet worked out how to handle punctuation effectively, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time... Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:55:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892876 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_892876 Stidyr I'm using a 16-beat song generator, works like a charm... or like a 16-beat song generator to be exact. I started out using the camp-fire idea, but since the storm in Norway (known as Berit) started blowing it all out and messing with my word count, I found that the previously mentioned 16-beat song generator would work better. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:25:31 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_893219 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_893219 Stidyr bit* ofc. My bad, Berit messed up my smoke signals again. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:27:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_893233 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_893233 Merimde You are brilliant. Conversion method works perfectly and I was finally able to validate this mammoth. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:51:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_894178 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_894178 Merimde cloud computing... Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:53:15 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_894198 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_894198 allthegoodonesweretaken What about a portable fire? like an aerosol can with a lighter....that would get attention Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:15:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_895319 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_895319 SpeedyPencil I previously hired 24 writers, plus some additional employees to record punctuation obviously. For example, A= Person one B= person two etc, so every time I speak a sentence if the designated person hears their letter they write it down and at the end we brought it together with professional linguists and mathematicians. Quiet a simple procedure really. However this got slightly irritating when they kept attempting to escape from their cages :/. So this year I have invested in the new 'Mactini' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noe3kR8KqJc) software, which also doubles as a toothpick. Well actually I got another one when the first one got lost in my shoe somewhere... Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:24:04 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_895441 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_895441 aliaswriter Yes, this is the way I was taught too. The ancient method of counting out according to the alphabet, as told by my teacher, Elder Longfoot, was that it became too susceptible to being manipulated by the inner editor. The modern method took that into account. However, the ancient method is the foundation for the modern method, and is just as important to learn if you want to master smoke signals. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:27:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_895487 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_895487 edgewritermom From my limited experience, the thickest and most dramatic smoke--suitable for all stories from those dealing with teenage angst to midlife-crisis romance--can be produced by a combination of uncooked ramen, a plastic bowl, and somebody else's microwave oven (preferably in a home where the smoke-signalling writer is a guest). The effect is compromised, however, if you insist on adding water to the mixture. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:32:03 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_895532 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_895532 freakflag333 are you joking? how would you keep your work? you could never read your nanowrimo Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:07:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_896015 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_896015 freakflag333 hahaha Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:08:39 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_896026 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_896026 gracegirl11 My novel this year is steampunk, and as such, I cannot use smoke signals. I have been forced to find dry wood, which burns cleanly, and use it to boil water to create steam signals instead. While this is an added inconvenience, as dry wood is much harder to find than green wood, I have found that the benefits of steam signals outweigh the cons when writing steampunk. I highly recommend this method to any and all steampunk authors who find that traditional smoke signals aren't quite setting the right mood. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:46:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_898331 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_898331 amino amino likes this. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:18:51 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_899572 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_899572 Matt Butts Depends on what you're smokin' :) Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:58:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_901017 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_901017 Fiona W I am <strong>totally</strong> going to use sandwriting for next year's NaNo!! I'm curious to hear about snowwriting possibilites, too—for those ski vacations during November. The nice thing about sandwriting and snowwriting, as compared to smoke signals, is that you can take photos, then use OCR software for conversion to text. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:26:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_901337 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_901337 Fiona W Whoa, Sean, your microwave idea is making me think about the suicide-by-microwave (you stick your head in, after disabling the closed-door-only safety feature) in Dave Wallace's <em>Infinite Jest</em>. =guffaw= Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:38 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_901383 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_901383 Fiona W Why not burn characters into the toast? Surely I'm not the first person to imagine a toast typewriter, with one toaster per character and a keyboard hooked up to all the toasters.... Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:34:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_901430 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_901430 Fiona W Not to mention "pizazz"! Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:37:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_901461 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_901461 Fiona W I just remembered another old-timey technology that might be fun to write 50K with: <strong>wax postcards</strong>! The ancient Romans invented these: a shallow metal box full of wax in which you write your message with a stick. The cool thing is, they were re-usable: they just heated the box until the wax melted, then as soon as it cooled, they had a fresh writing surface. People used to conduct pithy correspondences with the things. They were mostly used for business transactions. I can imagine using a whole cookie-sheet-sized tray of wax. As soon as you've finished writing on it—or you could use old typewriter keys as stamps, to get more characters per sheet—you take a photo. Then heat it in the oven to melt the wax, and do it again. Run the photos through your handy-dandy optical-character-recognition software, then validate your novel in the usual fashion. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:59:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_901706 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_901706 Noogah For my sci-fi novel, I've been using a combination of smoke signal/binary/morse code. Binary is an easy and suitably themed system of transmitting characters, plus it makes it wonderfully easy to transcribe them back into the computer. For example, the binary code for "a" is "01100001". But there is a completely separate signal for an uppercase "A", which is "01000001". This allows for real control over the transmitted novel. In addition, I have unlimited use of punctuation. The binary code for a period is "00101110". There are also codes for every other type of punctuation mark which you could ever need, including hyphens, semi-colons, and exclamation points. The binary numbers, ones and zeros, are represented using the morse code system. A dash for a one, and a dot for a zero. A column of smoke is a dash, and a puff of smoke is a dot. It is slightly more time consuming then other methods here, but I do think it will be worth it when I'm finished in seventy years. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:17:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_901896 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_901896 Gazoinks I find fire too unsafe to work with when using smoke signals, but I was considering writing next year's novel with Semaphore. Only problem is, it's kind of difficult to count words. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:11:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_904115 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_904115 KoralLovesRainbowz I am so confused! you literally use smoke to put words on the page? I don't get it! Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:17:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_904210 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_904210 selveste_morten I use the snowwriting technique. With a nice, yellow font. I drink a lot, too... Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:04:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_907027 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=1#forum_thread_comment_907027 selveste_morten ... --- -- . - .. -- . ... | .. | .--- ..- ... - | .--. .-. . ..-. . .-. | - --- | ..- ... . | - .... . | -.-. .- .-.. -- .. -. --. | -... . . .--. ... | --- ..-. | -- --- .-. ... . | -.-. --- -.. . | - --- | --. . - | -- -.-- | .--. --- .. -. - | .- -.-. .-. --- ... ... | ..--.. | | .- .- .- .... .... .... | ..--.. | Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:09:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_907142 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_907142 CousinJenny The only problem is if you sit too close to the fire and haven't done a photographic backup yet, you could lose a whole tablet of writing. I much prefer using cuneiform on a clay tablet, with a cover to stop it getting scratched. Then if you get it warm it just sets. You have to be careful not to spill your coffee on it, but otherwise it's pretty reliable. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:03:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_913913 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=2#forum_thread_comment_913913 CousinJenny .. | -.- . . .--. | -- .. -..- .. -. --. | ..- .--. | -- -.-- | -.. .. - ... | .- -. -.. | -.. .- .... ... | --..-- | ... --- | .. - | -.. --- . ... -. .----. - | .-. . .- .-.. .-.. -.-- | .-- --- .-. -.- | ..-. --- .-. | -- . Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:21:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_913985 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_913985 selveste_morten .. - + .-- .. .-.. .-.. + -.-. --- -- . + .-- .. - .... + .--. .-. .- -.-. - .. -.-. . Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:00:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_921821 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_921821 CousinJenny <a href="http://www.smileyvault.com/" title="Laugh teeth grin" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/10172/laugh2.gif" alt="Laugh teeth grin" title="Laugh teeth grin"></a> Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:18:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_923433 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_923433 golfgal08 I borrowed my friend's fog machine, figuring it would cut down on those pesky pollution taxes my state imposes, but I've found that, since the fog is less dense than your standard smoke, my word count kept coming up short in the validator. Anyone know a fix for this for next year? Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:17:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_937491 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_937491 CousinJenny Are you able to get to the coast at all? You can sometimes get seriously thick fog in the colder months on the shore. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:34:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_941220 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_941220 golfgal08 Now that you mention it, we do get some thick fog along the river I live near. Do you think adding food coloring to the water in the machine might help? Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:47:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_941431 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_941431 Mingo-la .. .--- ..- ... - .-. .- -. .- --. --- --- --. .-.. . ... . .- .-. -.-. .... ..-. --- .-. .- -. --- -. .-.. .. -. . -- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. . -.-. --- -. ...- . .-. - . .-. .-.-.- - .... .- - .----. ... .-- .... .- - .. .----. -- ..- ... .. -. --. .-. .. --. .... - -. --- .-- .-.-.- Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:17:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_980126 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/42073?page=3#forum_thread_comment_980126