Monday, April 8, 2013

Magic Margin at 100,000

It's with some pride that I to announce that Magic Margin's 100,000th page views. It's an occasion for me to pause and reflect on what has happened over the past few years. This site–and to a greater extent the Typosphere –has blossomed and become something far more rich, interesting, and vibrant than I could ever have imagined.

In the Typosphere there are people making new parts for their typewriter by using 3D printing technologies. There are people writing novels and poems and essays using a typewriters. There are people creating typewriter art, starting typewriter businesses, and spreading the typewriter good word to all points on the globe. There are movies and books and blogs all about typewriters
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To share in the joy of the 100,000th page view and the vibrancy of the Typosphere, I have created a Magic Margin poster based on my logo by Nicole Ray. These 11"x17" posters are a very limited run; only 5 have been made and I want to give them away to the Typosphere.

As eager as I am to give things away to my friends, I ask for something in return. I want your thoughts and brainstorms. I want your prognostications and auguries. In the form of an essay, please.

As much as the insurrection has ignited the imagination of the world, I am curious if we can keep the revolution going? Can we create a permanent revolution in The Typosphere? What are the next steps the Typosphere should take to continue the momentum?
Responses don't need to be essays. My inner teacher took over. Your response can take the form of a blog post, a typecast, a vlog, typed essay, or any other creative genre. There is no minimum requirement as to length. Responses that answer the prompt will curry more favor with me, but that is not guaranteed. If you plan on responding via a blog or web site, write a comment to this post with a URL pointing to your project. Offline responses can be emailed to ryan@magicmargin.net for consideration. I, of course, will accept something in the mail.

Every entry will be given two scores. One score is based on the Holistic 6-Traits (http://www.azed.gov/wp-content/uploads/PDF/HOLISTICRUBRICBASEDON6TRAITS.pdf) and will garner a number from 1 to 6. The rubric is comprehensive and my evaluation will be equally precise. The second score will also range from 1 to 6; one being "meh" and 6 being "wow." Added together these two scores will be the final valuation. I will then rank the scores of all responses lowest to highest. The top 5 will get public praise and a poster. The remainders will also get something, but not nearly as awesome as the poster. In the event there is a tie, Mrs. Magic Margin (an exceptionally gifted Advanced Placement teacher) will break the tie.

All responses to the Magic Margin 100,000 Page View Celebration Contest must be submitted no later than 20th of April.