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    1. Timasomo 2024: Final Updates

      Important Upcoming Date: Timasomo Showcase Thread -- Tuesday, November 5 (one week away!) Technically all work should be finished before November 1st (but don’t worry, it’s not enforced 😉)....

      Important Upcoming Date:

      • Timasomo Showcase Thread -- Tuesday, November 5 (one week away!)

      Technically all work should be finished before November 1st (but don’t worry, it’s not enforced 😉).

      November 1-4 are for putting finishing touches on the project to ready it for the showcase.

      To get a feel for what the Showcase will look like and how to prep your project, check out past ones:


      Update us on your progress so far!

      • What did/didn't you get done this week?

      • Anything go according to plan?

      • Anything go off the rails?

      • Any successes or struggles to share?

      • Do you need feedback or help on anything?

      This is your topic to share anything and everything you want about what you’ve made so far.

      15 votes
    2. Timasomo 2024: Week 3 Updates

      Important Upcoming Dates Tuesday, October 29 - Final Update Topic Tuesday, November 5 - Timasomo Showcase Topic November 1-4 are for putting the "finishing touches" on your project and readying it...

      Important Upcoming Dates

      Tuesday, October 29 - Final Update Topic
      Tuesday, November 5 - Timasomo Showcase Topic

      November 1-4 are for putting the "finishing touches" on your project and readying it for the showcase.

      While November 1 is technically the creative deadline, remember that there are no Timasomo Police, so if you need to keep working into November, go for it! We've had people submit to the showcase days and even weeks later.


      Time for another update on your progress:

      • What did/didn't you get done this week?

      • Anything go according to plan?

      • Anything go off the rails?

      • Any successes or struggles to share?

      • Do you need feedback or help on anything?

      This is your topic to share anything and everything you want about what you’ve made so far.

      13 votes
    3. Recruiting help for election day posters

      Creatives of Tildes, I'm in dire need of help. My plan on Nov 5th is to vote, drop my kids off at school, and then go stand next to the heaviest republican-leaning polling location within 20 miles...

      Creatives of Tildes, I'm in dire need of help.

      My plan on Nov 5th is to vote, drop my kids off at school, and then go stand next to the heaviest republican-leaning polling location within 20 miles of me until the polls close (with possible break to pick up my kids).

      I need a sign. A good sign. I need 1 sign, maybe 1 pamphlet. A final plea to the Republican voter to vote against fascism. It needs to be succinct and thought provoking, but not accusitory. A visual for them to ponder as they walk in the building. Something to inspire even one voter to change their mind about voting R this year. I have ideas, but I am no artist, and not nearly as witty or empathetic as I wish I was.

      It will, to the best of my knowledge, be just me. Although I invite you all to join me in spirit at your nearest equivalent.

      Here are my ideas so far, but they all feel too wordy.

      • Your spouse can't find out you voted for women's rights.
      • Don't force my daughter to be on a menstration registry.
      • The Republican party abandoned you, It's time for you to abandon them.
      • If you replace "Immigrants" with "Jews", Trump sounds a lot like a Nazi.
      • I don't like Kamala much, but I trust her to step down if she loses.
      • Don't be on the wrong side of history.
      14 votes
    4. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      7 votes
    5. Calls from the Depths

      The sky unravels, thick with ash, A chocking breath, a world's last grasp. The trees, once proud, now twist and writhe, Their shadows stretch, and darkness thrives. The wind hums low, an ancient...

      The sky unravels, thick with ash, A chocking breath, a world's last grasp. The trees, once proud, now twist and writhe, Their shadows stretch, and darkness thrives.
      The wind hums low, an ancient curse, A whispered doom, rehearsed, rehearsed. It claws the earth, it bends the bone, And leaves the living cold, alone.
      Yet deep beneath the fractured stone, Where roots have bled and seeds have grown, a pulse remains, defying fate, a quiet spark, through dark, awaits.
      Its wings beat soft against the gloom, A fragile light within the tomb. Through darkness reigns, it does not see
      The dawn will come. It always frees.

      11 votes
    6. Timasomo 2024: Week 2 Updates

      It was genuinely inspiring seeing everyone's posts from last week. There are a LOT of awesome projects going on! Time for another update on your progress: What did/didn't you get done this week?...

      It was genuinely inspiring seeing everyone's posts from last week. There are a LOT of awesome projects going on!

      Time for another update on your progress:

      • What did/didn't you get done this week?

      • Anything go according to plan?

      • Anything go off the rails?

      • Any successes or struggles to share?

      • Do you need feedback or help on anything?

      This is your topic to share anything and everything you want about what you’ve made so far.

      16 votes
    7. Request: Advice on book spine repair

      Does anyone here have any advice on repairing a book spine? I have a hard back that an excited puppy chewed off the outer part of the spine. Now that said puppy is well out of her "chewing on...

      Does anyone here have any advice on repairing a book spine? I have a hard back that an excited puppy chewed off the outer part of the spine. Now that said puppy is well out of her "chewing on random stuff" stage I'm trying to figure out how to repair/reinforce the binding since it's otherwise a brand new book. I'm a crafty person so I'm trying to embrace the accident and treat it as a book with a bit more character.

      Most of the glue is intact, so my current thought is to add additional glue (book binding glue I'd assume?) and then use a tape or fabric to reinforce the spine.

      I'm not expecting a repair that looks like new. I'm looking for something functional and durable that will keep the book from falling apart with use. If there's a good tape for this application that would probably be sufficient. Just soliciting some additional feedback in case someone has done something similar before I take a stab at the project.

      Here's some pictures of the book and of course puppy tax: https://postimg.cc/gallery/wyskQn1

      9 votes
    8. I have a specific question about returning to your creative side after a long hiatus

      Oftentimes I find myself feeling overwhelmed when listening to music that speaks to me. I feel vivid imagery cover the landscape in my mind's eye, as if a custom made music video was being created...

      Oftentimes I find myself feeling overwhelmed when listening to music that speaks to me. I feel vivid imagery cover the landscape in my mind's eye, as if a custom made music video was being created on the spot to accompany the sound.

      I encounter a frustrating obstacle when considering how to best translate this surge of inspiration into art. I know exactly what I want to create but feel limited by a lack of experience in animation, modeling, illustration etc. and the time it would take to approximate my vision. Altogether, it becomes discouraging and the idea withers before it has a chance to blossom.

      My question to the creatively-minded is this—what strategies are deployed to counteract your self-doubt before it undermines your inspiration?

      .

      Thank you for any wisdom offered. The tildes community is special and dear to my heart ♡

      12 votes
    9. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      6 votes
    10. Timasomo 2024: Week 1 Updates

      Update us on your progress so far! What did/didn't you get done this week? Anything go according to plan? Anything go off the rails? Any successes or struggles to share? Do you need feedback or...

      Update us on your progress so far!

      • What did/didn't you get done this week?

      • Anything go according to plan?

      • Anything go off the rails?

      • Any successes or struggles to share?

      • Do you need feedback or help on anything?

      This is your topic to share anything and everything you want about what you’ve made so far.

      20 votes
    11. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      7 votes
    12. Timasomo 2024: Roll Call

      October 1st has already hit in some parts of the world, so Timasomo has officially begun! Posting in this topic is your official entry into Timasomo. Let everyone know what your actual plans are:...

      October 1st has already hit in some parts of the world, so Timasomo has officially begun!

      Posting in this topic is your official entry into Timasomo. Let everyone know what your actual plans are: what are you going to make?

      Anyone who was not already on the notification list will be added with a comment in this topic.

      Once the date turns over to October 1st wherever you are in the world, feel free to start creating!


      FAQs

      What is Timasomo really though?

      Timasomo is "Tildes' Make Something Month": a creative community challenge that takes place in the month of October. It is a chance to create something/anything!

      There are no restrictions on what you can choose to make.

      The best way to get a feel for Timasomo is to check out our previous Showcase topics, where creators share their creations with the community at the end of the event:

      Can I participate?

      Yes! Timasomo is open to anyone on Tildes! Please make sure you are subscribed to ~creative.timasomo.

      The greater Tildes community is also encouraged to participate in discussion threads even if you are not actively working towards a creative goal. This is meant to be an inclusive community event -- all are welcome!

      If you are interested in participating but do not have a Tildes login, please e-mail the invite request address here for an invite to the community.

      If you do not want to create something but still want to check out the showcase, let me know in a comment here and I will add your name to a separate notification list that I will ping for the showcase topic only.

      How do I sign up?

      Make sure you are subscribed to ~creative.timasomo and/or are included in my notification list (simply comment on this topic to be added).

      On October 1st, there will be a Roll Call thread. By posting your plans to participate in that thread, you have formally signed up for Timasomo!

      Didn't it used to be in November?

      Yes. Timasomo was originally inspired by NaNoWriMo, the National Novel Writing Month, which takes place in November.

      Initially, I wanted people participating in NaNoWriMo to be able to share their work with Timasomo as well. In the entire time it has run, however, no participant has publicly submitted any work from NaNoWriMo to Timasomo. Instead, Timasomo has gained its own identity independent of NaNoWriMo (which, after recent events, is probably for the best).

      Many participants from previous years have shared that October would be a better month for them personally, so we moved the event to October.

      Also, the event was so fantastically popular that it regularly upstaged American Thanksgiving, thus we only felt it fair that Canadian Thanksgiving be targeted as well.

      What are the rules?

      Timasomo is self-driven and its goals are self-selected.

      On October 1st, participants will commit to a creative project (or projects) that they plan to complete within the month of October.

      There is no restriction on the methods/products of creativity: writing, painting, code, food, photos, crafts, songs -- if it's creative expression for you, it works for Timasomo!

      Though most will be participating individually, collaborations are welcome too!

      What is the schedule?

      Timasomo begins October 1st and ends October 31st.

      All creative output towards your goal(s) should be confined to this time.

      This week prior to the start of October is for planning. There will be a few days at the beginning of November given to "finishing touches" before we have our final thread, which will be a showcase of all the completed works.

      Below are the dates that I will be posting weekly threads:

      Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Roll Call Thread
      Tuesday, October 8, 2024: Update Thread #1
      Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Update Thread #2
      Tuesday, October 22, 2024: Update Thread #3
      Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Final Update Thread
      Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Timasomo Showcase Thread

      Do I have to share my creation(s) publicly?

      Tildes is a privacy-respecting site, and you are not obligated to share your creation here if you do not want to. We'd still love to hear about it though, if you're willing to share process and details!

      Is it Timasomo or TiMaSoMo?

      Either.

      I personally use "Timasomo" because I think it looks cleaner and because too much time on the internet has made my brain incapable of reading "TiMaSoMo" as anything other than sarcasm, but go with whichever you prefer.

      The best option, however, is “𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑶” for reasons that are self-evident.

      26 votes
    13. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      16 votes
    14. Looking for some good creative woodshedders

      I'm looking for some interesting artists/songwriters/writers/coders/inventors that try to make as many things in their discipline to "git gud". (for example:...

      I'm looking for some interesting artists/songwriters/writers/coders/inventors that try to make as many things in their discipline to "git gud". (for example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI71c2GTLPs) Videos are good, but articles and podcasts are good too!

      6 votes
    15. The mask of humanity fall from capital

      snuffed out like meaningless leaves and ashes one fell moment and it's all gone only the suffering remains and you see, you see it at that moment all that talk about prosperity, humanity, kindness...

      snuffed out
      like meaningless leaves and ashes
      one fell moment and it's all gone
      only the suffering remains
      and you see, you see it at that moment
      all that talk about prosperity, humanity, kindness
      it was all a ruse
      the only truth was capital and power
      the only things that mattered to them

      the statesmen and the masters
      they had convened together
      built the looming and dark tombs of delusion
      and they did not give a damn about to-be-corpses
      they still do not

      over fifty thousand
      they were killed, butchered, murdered
      they are still unmourned to this day
      they are still forgotten
      many of them are still lost in the rubbles
      millions more made to wander
      suffering at the mercy of the monster

      do they not deserve avenging
      shouldn't their pain be inflicted thousandfold on the usurpers
      the throne makers and takers of the rich and the corrupt
      their blood does not belong to them
      not anymore

      gods of the new world
      here's a declaration
      you are not infallible
      but our hatred is everlasting
      as long as you exist
      the spectre will never vanish
      even if it takes millenia
      we are going to make people forget you were ever human
      you shall not be any more than ancient evils of dust
      your memory shall be one of a joke, a bygone idiocy
      and whatever you built, it will come falling down
      much harder than the tombs you raised
      the blood you spilt will haunt you down to nothing
      and in that moment
      when the last memory of you is forgotten
      when everything you created is ashes
      the void shall truly embrace you
      remember this promise for the rest of your life
      in your most intimate, safest moments
      feel this cold breath of the cosmos on your neck
      it is ours, for we are the harbingers

      14 votes
    16. Does anyone here do bead crochet? Could you recommend me supplies to get started?

      I really want to try out bead crochet, I found a decent yt tutorial for starting and this pintrest board has enough patterns to last a lifetime, but i have absolutely no idea where to start in...

      I really want to try out bead crochet, I found a decent yt tutorial for starting and this pintrest board has enough patterns to last a lifetime, but i have absolutely no idea where to start in terms of buying supplies.

      Does anyone here do bead crochet? could you point me in the right direction for the correct floss & beads to use? (and also the needed findings, I think each one needs 2 caps and a tube to stabilize it; I have plenty of jump rings and lobster clasps already cos I do chainmaille so that's not an issue) or any other tips would be appreciated too!!

      15 votes
    17. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      11 votes
    18. Ode to the cute boy I met from Surrey

      Pork bun; pot belly; spare me the tears; I'm getting on; you're getting old; you're getting off here. I can't quite tell; it's hard to see; you're somewhere in my mind; Or is it me? It's hard to...

      Pork bun; pot belly; spare me the tears;
      I'm getting on; you're getting old; you're getting off here.
      I can't quite tell; it's hard to see; you're somewhere in my mind;
      Or is it me? It's hard to see; you're losing—

      I think I'll try. No, no, I won't.
      This happens sometimes. All the time.
      I think. Do I forget?
      A half forgotten memory. Still vaguely tinged with some regret

      31 votes
    19. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      10 votes
    20. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      9 votes
    21. The Bear narrative structure?

      Lately I've been interested in different types of narrative structures, namely upon discovering Kishōtenketsu, the Japanese four-act structure and how it contrasts to the traditional western...

      Lately I've been interested in different types of narrative structures, namely upon discovering Kishōtenketsu, the Japanese four-act structure and how it contrasts to the traditional western three-act structure.

      Obviously narrative is not an exact science, and these structures are best thought of as guide rails to get you started, and a story can be told in so many unique ways. Which brings me to this post's title: The Bear.

      The Bear has strong themes revolving around family and personal growth, that's for certain, but when it comes to narrative, it is very unique. Episode length can vary quite a bit, and so too can episode content. Episode 1 of the most recent season was a time-bending, heartstring-tugging montage. Episode 2 was essentially just a single conversation.

      And while there are some episodes with a traditional narrative structure with a clear beginning, climax, and ending, I would say most episodes steer away from this concept. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that any sort of resolution is very rare in this show. Episodes, or even entire seasons can pass without many of the major conflicts or problems being resolved, which certainly adds to the high-pressure, anxiety-inducing mantra of the show as a whole.

      I'd say The Bear leans heavily into the Slice of Life trope. Where we're being invited into brief glimpses of the lives of the characters, where relationships are complicated, problems aren't always solved, and life is simply messy and unorganized. The Bear doesn't follow any sort of formula that audiences would find satisfying (but that certainly doesn't mean it isn't enjoyable).

      So, back to the question in the title. Does anyone know where I might read or learn more about the type of narrative structure that The Bear employs? Is there even a name for it? As innovative as the show is, is still has this certain air of nostalgia that reminds me a lot of Sopranos, which is another show that I believe breaks the mold of traditional story structure, especially in an episodic format.

      Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day, and godspeed.

      17 votes
    22. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      13 votes
    23. Mythos

      Mythos A tree unwatched does soundless fall Without an eye its crash to mark And starborn light in vain does call While hearts incline instead to dark So natural course unseen dictates The wave of...

      Mythos

      A tree unwatched does soundless fall

      Without an eye its crash to mark

      And starborn light in vain does call

      While hearts incline instead to dark

      So natural course unseen dictates

      The wave of time as life begins

      Nor, in our barques asea in fate

      Ken we the source of distant winds

      Now blown to gale, now to 'phoon —

      We strike our sail, but none can dock

      Our crafts beset do founder soon

      For to the hours we're firmly nocked

      In time's swift drifts all 'twined we are

      Yet each must pass the stellar door

      Through deep'ning age pass on afar

      And thus return to astral moor

      12 votes
    24. gaze of the sun

      burn away the rot burn away the festering burn away the power that grip your heart burn ’em all the gaze of your sun shall make you invincible they shall fear your conviction for they are the...

      burn away the rot
      burn away the festering
      burn away the power
      that grip your heart
      burn ’em all

      the gaze of your sun
      shall make you invincible
      they shall fear your conviction
      for they are the immovable object
      you become the unstoppable force
      and you are one of many

      you refuse the dying of the dream
      and that shall become your sun

      8 votes
    25. The Free World's Choice

      Free Peoples of the World have suffered enough at the hands of forces of oppression and domination. The strength gathered and cruelly used by the East, without even a care for the lives of their...

      Free Peoples of the World have suffered enough at the hands of forces of oppression and domination. The strength gathered and cruelly used by the East, without even a care for the lives of their own men, clearly demonstrates their unrelenting desire to destroy the freedom of what folks they can't reach. They're encroaching on the west day by day, a great shadow spanning the horizon.

      They and their allies are at the moment engaging with the brave free folks at the borderlands. By their courage and sacrifice are we living in peace, but this shall not stand for long unless we move.

      The leader of these forces sits alone in his Dark Tower, casting his burning gaze with envy and thirst on our lands, searching for the one thing that will grant him the power of the past. The time to act has come! Not only to deny him and his ilk their craving, but to create a free world for all!

      Folks of freedom, I do believe this is the most existential, consequential and important election of our lifetimes. Vote Denethor.

      9 votes
    26. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      9 votes
    27. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      7 votes
    28. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      6 votes
    29. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      10 votes
    30. 3D printing - A beginner's observations and some practical applications

      tl;dr: 3D printing won't change your life but it will make your life 1% better in unexpected ways. Last year, I spent a year-long work trip with someone who was very into 3D printing. To be frank,...

      tl;dr: 3D printing won't change your life but it will make your life 1% better in unexpected ways.

      Last year, I spent a year-long work trip with someone who was very into 3D printing. To be frank, I initially had zero interest in it. From what I understood of 3D printing, it was expensive, required mechanical experience, coding knowledge, and ultimately not worth what you put into it.

      Fortunately, my colleague didn't care what I thought about his hobby and bought a cheap printer to keep himself occupied during downtime at work. Originally, it was just something that occasionally made noise in the background. As the days went on, however, more and more doodads began to appear around the office. A cable organizer here, a desk decoration there; nothing earth-shattering.

      The thing that really changed my mind, funny enough, was a simple powder scooper. During our trip, we shared a terribly designed creatine bottle with a narrow neck and no scooper. We spent months pouring out white powder by eyesight alone like amateur crackheads and I will never buy this bottle again. My colleague printed out a scooper with a long neck and the problem went away.

      That was the key turnaround that changed my mindset - I had a problem; we printed a solution.

      I got back from my trip and decided to try it out myself. After some serious deliberation on how committed I was to this, I purchased the Bambu P1S. It’s not the cheapest option for someone just starting and I chose a Bambu printer because a Youtuber argued that your best way to have fun as a beginner was to pick a printer that “just worked.” It was a compelling enough reason for me to shell $900. (no, I’m not sponsored, just telling my story.)

      Some of my favorite prints:

      • Long Scooper: the one that started it all for me. This scooper saved us a ridiculous amount of time and effort for what it is. It also gets to the heart of what 3D printing is to me - solving your individual problems with simple solutions.

      • Pill Organizer: it’s got a lever that spins a wheel around, opening a different chamber for each day of the week. This one really opened my eyes to what is mechanically possible with just basic PLA plastic. People much smarter than me figured out ways to print devices with hinges, springs, and levers all without needing a single extra tool.

      • Scour Pad Holder: This is the one that made most people around me go, “huh, that’s pretty neat.” You’re right, it is. No one likes touching a moist scour pad.

      • Slide Wallet: I spent $74 on a SECRID cardslide wallet. While I don’t regret that purchase - I used it faithfully for four years ongoing - I did feel a bit foolish when I realized I could 3D print the same mechanism for $1.50.

      That’s not to say anything about the decorative / gifting aspect of 3D printing either. I 3D printed a giant Charizard for my friend’s son the size of his head in eight hours.

      That said, there is a mechanical learning curve to even the most user-friendly printers. With the Bambu series, I’d say that if you’ve ever built IKEA furniture or a 100+ piece Lego, assembly is pretty straightforward. It’s the troubleshooting that will get you. Even with basic filament and simple projects, I still encountered the nozzle clogging, filament stuck in the pipes, and bed adhesion problems.

      This is a hobby that requires you to be willing to experiment and look up solutions. From what I understand, some printer brands are tougher than others so the learning curve will vary depending on your gear. I quickly learned that there’s numerous ways your print will mess up and your project will look like what the community calls the “spaghetti monster.” Unless you’re a born tinkerer, this is probably the most frustrating part of the process. However, accumulating knowledge to diagnose and solve the problem is very rewarding. I learned that the third slot on a Bambu machine is statistically more likely to jam and 0.5 kg spools are more likely to clog than 1.0 kg ones. Turns out that a lithophane needs to be printed vertically and only looks good with a white filament.

      Overall, I enjoyed my time with my 3D printer and I don’t regret my purchase at all. It’s a hobby that provides near-instant gratification - you find the thing you want to print - or design it yourself - and boom, it’s sitting on your printer in a couple of hours. While I’m just taking files from the community and printing the .stl file, the skill ceiling is also very high once you add hardware to your projects (e.g. screws, ball bearings, Raspberry Pi). I’m going to continue to learn and I’m excited about where I can take this machine.

      Some questions for the community:

      1. If you have a 3D printer, how deep in the rabbit hole are you? Are you making your own CAD files?
      2. What’s your favorite print? If you don’t own a printer, what’s a cool 3D print that stands out in your mind?
      3. What’s a problem in your life where you think you could 3D print a solution?
      32 votes
    31. What creative projects have you been working on?

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on. Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just...

      This topic is part of a series. It is meant to be a place for users to discuss creative projects they have been working on.

      Projects can be personal, professional, physical, digital, or even just ideas.

      If you have any creative projects that you have been working on or want to eventually work on, this is a place for discussing those.

      14 votes
    32. antediluvian

      gusts of wind pick up in pace and oaken leaves they make to shake. chirps and flaps as birds make haste and hooves all trample in escape. above, the clouds, they morph and move bearing an ocean in...

      gusts of wind pick up in pace
      and oaken leaves they make to shake.
      chirps and flaps as birds make haste
      and hooves all trample in escape.

      above, the clouds, they morph and move
      bearing an ocean in their womb.
      forest florals stare in rue;
      effulgence dims as darkness blooms.

      the rumbling clouds envelope all.
      a drip, a drop. and the rain falls.
      and though the canopy may stall,
      a dribble starts and rends the wall.

      a torrent soars towards the floor.
      the land, to sea, returns once more.
      in time, the green but will restore.
      in time, the clouds but will reform.


      i wrote this at a creative writing workshop with the following three randomly generated words as the prompt: frequency, dribble, oak.

      9 votes
    33. How do you take notes while reading? Do you have a “marginalia” process? What has helped you learn better and retain new knowledge?

      I aspire to better equip myself as a researcher and writer. As part of this, for me at least, I think that developing a note-taking (or marginalia) system would be useful. I read a ton of...

      I aspire to better equip myself as a researcher and writer. As part of this, for me at least, I think that developing a note-taking (or marginalia) system would be useful. I read a ton of nonfiction and have especially been into history, economics, and geopolitics lately…but my “system” tends to just “highlight” insightful stuff in my Kindle and then…everything kinda falls off the map for me. I should probably start going back, reviewing the highlights, and making notes in a separate notebook/app/document for later research and writing purposes.

      I thought it might be interesting to learn more about everyone’s reading/studying routine and specifically note-taking processes. I’m especially curious about those who blog/publish writings, and how they work to gather their thoughts and information as they are reading.

      If you don’t mind sharing a bit about your note taking process or systems, here are some questions for discussion:

      1. What is your process, generally? (Do you read print/digital/audio? Does your note taking change depending on different formats? Do you highlight with specific colors for certain reasons? What do you find yourself notating most frequently?)

      2. Do you use pen/paper or is there a specific app you like to use for note-taking/research purposes?

      3. If you use an app, what is your process for book notes? Do you take notes on paper and then transfer it to the digital app later when you’re reviewing? Do you take notes directly into the app?

      4. Any other advice for someone looking to improve their learning/knowledge through more focused and intentional reading and note taking?

      31 votes
    34. how gods are born

      we enshrine our lords do we not call them Lord? the lords giveth and taketh they are the amalgamation the supreme product of history that is why they are sacred why their divinity is everlasting...

      we enshrine our lords
      do we not call them Lord?
      the lords giveth and taketh
      they are the amalgamation
      the supreme product of history
      that is why they are sacred
      why their divinity is everlasting
      or so it is thought

      gods are born, gods are killed
      the only truth in them is order
      and to the ordinary that is divine
      their dreams start and end within
      the lord's domain breaths life
      it dictates what is allowed to be
      it cuts the branches off

      young dreamer, knowing this
      do you still desire The Dream-God?
      is it not past time its death?
      shouldn't its corpse nourish life?
      and the many branches-to-be?

      18 votes
    35. Authors of Tildes: How well do you know your own book when you publish?

      I've spoken with some authors who are working on non-fiction books. I've noticed that some of them know their books intimately and can correct me if I mis-relay a section back to them that I've...

      I've spoken with some authors who are working on non-fiction books. I've noticed that some of them know their books intimately and can correct me if I mis-relay a section back to them that I've read. They can do this without checking the actual book and I've then verified that I was incorrect.

      Others have told me that by the time they were finished a seemingly infinite number of edits, they can't bear to read their own book again and just sent it to an editor at that point and released it.

      I was surprised by the latter but it does remind me of my own experience writing very long papers in college. Is this common in your own experience?

      26 votes