Wouldn't it be great to link any object directly to a 'video memory' or an article of text describing its history or background? Tales of Things allows just that with a quick and easy way to link any media to any object via small printable tags known as QR codes. How about tagging a building, your old antique clock or perhaps that object you're about to put on eBay?
Who and what is TalesOfThings.com?
TalesOfThings.com launched in April 2010 and is an online platform which enables users to tag physical objects and share object-related stories and memories through homemade media. The platform is part of an academic research project called TOTeM: Tales of Things and Electronic Memory. TOTeM is funded by the Research Councils UKs Digital Economy programme and brings together researchers from five British universities: Edinburgh College of Art, University College London, Brunel University, The University of Salford, and The University of Dundee. As academics, we work in a range of areas (e.g. digital architecture, geography, computer science, business, design, and social research), but we all share an interest in people, artefacts, memories, time, space, and innovative technologies. Wed like to find out what happens when real objects, real people and real stories get linked via the World Wide Web, and how people make use of TalesOfThings.com in the months and years to come.
Whats a tag?
Tagging technology can be used to physically attach information (including hyperlinks) to real objects or places using a kind of barcode or label. In the case of TOTeM, we mainly employ QR (Quick Response) codes (include image here), though we are also working on RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identification) (include image here). When scanned with a TOTeM-enabled reader (for example, an iPhone with Tales of Things app), these tags can access peoples object stories online. As such, an objects history becomes integral to the thing itself and can be accessed by contemporary and future generations.
What kinds of objects?
We use the term object in its broadest possible sense. Our main request is that you choose something that is personally meaningful to you. Almost everybody has an important object in their life, which they value, not because it is useful or expensive, but because it holds special memories of other people, places, times, events, or ideas. Its the stories behind those objects that were interested in, the ones only you can tell because nobody else would recognise their importance. And of course youre free to choose a number of things and tell a number of stories.
We only ask two more things of you. First, images of your item or any materials associated with it may not cause harm or offence to others (see terms of use for details). Second, your participation in TOTeM must be legal. For instance, if you are not yourself the owner of your chosen object, you will need the owners permission to tag it!
In terms of practicalities, it might help if your object is relatively durable and will last long enough to be tagged and scanned. Food items, for example, might be too short-lived to make a meaningful appearance on TalesOfThings.com. In general, however, you could use something big, something small, something soft, something hard, something sticky, something shiny, something static, something moving... even a place could be a thing, as long as you can tag it.
My object is precious: I dont want to stick a tag on it!
You can stick the TOTeM tag onto a part of the object that isnt immediately visible. But if youd rather not attach a tag to your item at all, then you can always just store the tag nearby.
Why tales, and what do you mean by homemade media?
In the context of social media and Web 2.0, homemade is also often referred to as user-generated content. What we mean is that you record or write a story about your chosen object yourself, either on video, audio, in images, text, or a combination of the above, and upload this tale to the Internet for others to see or hear. We call such stories and memories tales, not because we would necessarily want you to tell tales (in the sense of making things up), but because we feel that the term gives you a wide range of options of how to share your objects history with others. In other words, we hope that your tale will tell others why an object is important to you. The term also makes for a nice acronym, TOTeM, for Tales of Things and Electronic Memory. A totem pole of course contains a number of carvings which traditionally tell a clan or tribes stories and histories. Fitting, dont you think?!
Where can I upload my media files?
There are a number of answers to this, depending on what kind of file you are talking about. Common video hosting sites are Vimeo.com and YouTube.com. They also allow you to upload audio clips. Images can, for instance, be uploaded to flickr.com. The main thing to say is that TalesOfThings.com cannot currently hold a great amount of data itself; its a social networking platform which allows you to embed links to materials you have uploaded elsewhere. We do not have any relationships to sites such as Vimeo or YouTube and do not condone or condemn the ways in which they operate. Fact is that they exist, are free to use and can host larger amounts of data than this is currently the case for TalesOfThings.com itself. You will, in any circumstance, need to abide by their terms of service before uploading any materials.
TalesOfThings.com does, however, allow you to upload images of your object, as long as they stay within a certain size (currently 2MB). Moreover, the platform enables the insertion of text, so you can type your tales directly into the boxes provided on your profile.
What should a tale look like?
Its largely up to you what a tale can look like. As long as you stay safe and within the terms described in our community guidelines (as well as those of the websites you upload your content to), your creativity should know no limits. Bearing in mind that your tale should ideally convey something to others, it can be brief or complex, have a narrative, or just be a collection of thoughts and impressions. We will ask you to upload a photo of your object to TalesOfThings.com, so others will be able to get an idea of what it looks like. As such, your object should be clearly visible on this photo. The more we see of your object in your remaining media files, the better of course. But it is really up to you if your object(s) or you yourself feature directly in any of the other media.
Are there stories I shouldnt tell?
Depending on where you upload your homemade media, these sites will have terms and conditions as to the kind of content that is and is not allowed. Our guidelines are similar, and you will need to stick to both when becoming a member of the TalesOfThings.com community. If you are a regular Internet user and have participated in social networking sites before, you will know that the Internet is a fun place. You will also know that a minority of people use the Internet for not so funny things, such as identity theft and harassment. Make sure you do not reveal any information which can help fraudsters to identify you or your location. For detailed tips on online safety, click here http://www.getsafeonline.org.
Who can become a TalesOfThings.com user?
As it stands, only people aged 18 or older can use our platform. This is mainly due to existing age restrictions for uploading content on related websites (e.g. YouTube). Anyone who is under the age of 18 and would still like to participate in our research project will need to gain special permission from the TOTeM team [link to [email protected]]. This kind of participation can only happen under adult supervision and is usually restricted to people who are in direct collaboration with TOTeM, for instance as part of an intergenerational community project or school group.
What if I dont have access to recording equipment or the Internet?
Aside from our age restriction (see http://www.talesofthings.com/totem/terms/), TalesOfThings.com seeks to be an inclusive platform which engages people from all walks of life. If you have difficulties accessing the needed equipment or are unfamiliar with new media technologies, we will meet you and record your stories with you. We will only be there to facilitate your storytelling and to, if necessary, hold the camera or other recording equipment. You can review your media files there and then to decide which parts, if any, you would like us to add to TalesOfThings.com. In addition, we aim to work with community partners to ensure that you will continue to have access to the Internet in order to stay in touch with the TalesOfThings.com community and follow any progress online. If you do not have access to a video camera or do not have a YouTube account a simple way to add a tale is to upload a digital image of your object and type a story into the objects profile page.
Who will be able to see my profile?
Although we hope that you will want to share your object memories with as many people as possible, we think it is important to give you some privacy options which will help you control access to your profile. In particular, you can choose to share stories with everyone who uses the Internet or keep them private. Also you can use the privacy settings of the media hosting sites (for example YouTube or Flickr) that you have uploaded your content to, to restrict the visibility of that content.
Who owns the materials I upload?
The materials you upload to the Internet fall in the first instance under the regulations of the sites that primarily host your files, e.g. Vimeo, YouTube, or Flickr. Usually, these sites determine that you remain the owner of uploaded materials and that you grant a form of licence which allows them to use and display your files in a number of ways, depending on your privacy settings and until the moment you withdraw your materials. These regulations differ slightly from website to website, so do not take our word for it: Make sure you are clear about all issues of ownership (and other terms and conditions) before you sign up for an account. Materials that are directly inserted at, or uploaded to, TalesOfThings.com fall under the ownership regulations as outlined in our terms of use http://www.talesofthings.com/totem/terms/.
Two things are important in addition to this. First, you need to be clear that any materials that were once visible to the online public may have been copied and retained by others. In other words, what was once public has the capacity to remain in the public domain even if you withdraw the original source materials. Second, if you share your profile with the online public and/or have added TOTeM to your list of TalesOfThings.com friends, you automatically allow our team of researchers to make use of your materials for academic, non-commercial purposes. Well, we say automatically: Of course, we will ask you to give us your informed consent when it comes to crossing that bridge. You will not take part in our research unless you are aware and in agreement. Moreover, you have the right to withdraw from the study and from TalesOfThings.com at any time without having to give a reason for doing so. We outline the nature and details of your participation and our research purposes here http://www.talesofthings.com/totem/terms/.
Can anyone add a story to my object?
Users are only able to add stories/tales to objects if they are in possession of the object and its tag. If you are able to scan the tag you are able to add a story to it. Users who view you object on the website are unable to add a tale to it but they can add comments to the object, however if you feel any comments are inappropriate or offensive please do let us know and these will be removed [email protected].
Do I need an iPhone to participate?
No. To take part in TalesOfThings.com, you first and foremost need access to an Internet-enabled computer (unless you ask us to upload materials on your behalf, in which case we need to work together). If you dont own a TOTeM-enabled phone, your second option is to visit TalesOfThings.com, click on scan a thing [link to http://www.talesofthings.com/totem/qrcodedecode/ and scan the tag via your computers webcam. Object stories can be accessed directly via TalesOfThings.com, as long as users share them with the online public or have added you to their list of friends. If you come across a tagged object and are keen to learn about its history, there are two ways of finding out. TOTeM currently supports a number of 3G (third-generation) mobile phones, including the iPhone. Once you have downloaded our free TOTeM application to your phone, you can use it to scan and access your objects story. You can also scan a tag via your webcam but if you dont have a webcam either, your tag is relatively useless (sorry!), but you might just find your respective objects story by searching TalesOfThings.com for related keywords.
Is TalesOfThings.com free?
Signing up to TalesOfThings.com and downloading our custom-built TOTeM application for Android and iPhones is entirely free of charge. We are a research project but if you would like to use TalesOfthings.com commercially do get in touch with us we are currently looking for business case studies
What will TOTeM do with my tales?
Because TalesOfThings.com is part of a research project, your material is likely to play a role in papers presented at academic conferences, teaching, and in books or journal publications. Since we do not only want to share things with academics, we will also find other ways of reaching an audience for your stories, for example through exhibitions, video installations, documentaries, and design workshops. By uploading your memory files to the TOTeM platform, you agree to our use of your materials for academic and non-commercial purposes. You will be able to opt out of the research at any time, bearing in mind that materials which have once been accessible online may have been copied by others.
What do the TOTeM researchers hope to find?
Does tagging mean tracking?
TOTeM tags do not automatically include information about the whereabouts of your object, so the easy answer to your question is no, tagging does not mean tracking. However, some of the researchers on the TOTeM team are indeed interested in origins and locations, and in following objects as they travel across the globe. As it stands, you have the opportunity to provide an approximate location of your object by placing it on a Google map (please make sure not to give away your exact address!). Once we have developed a way of including tracking information in your tag, you will be able to opt in to using our tracking devices. Your object will never be tracked unless you are fully aware and in agreement.
How can I search for objects?
You can search objects that may be of interest to you by typing in keywords to the tool bar at the top of the home page, key words may include phrases such as- clock, 1970s, wedding etc.
How can I search for users in my area?
You can search for users in your area by going to the World of Things tab. Here you will find a Google map which you can zoom into your area to find people that have tagged objects. To access these tales simply click on the pointer on the map.
Where can I find out more about the TOTeM research project?
Our aims and objectives are outlined here, and we will aim to feed back findings via TalesOfThings.com. In addition, you can follow us on Facebook Facebook , twitter or our blog
What if I prefer not to take part in the research?
Should you want to make use of TalesOfThings.com without taking part in our research, you will need to choose to keep your things private. When signing up to TalesOfThings.com, you will be advised that you are entering a research site and that your materials, should you decide to keep your profile public, may be used by the TOTeM team for the purposes of academic, non-commercial research. Given that this site is created for research purposes, we would of course hope that you choose to share your stories with us, as long as you are absolutely clear about the nature of your involvement.
Is TalesOfThings.com an ongoing project?
We hope that the TOTeM project lives on after the initial funding period of three years, with TalesOfThings.com users (i.e. people who have contributed or signed up to the TOTeM platform) continuing to use and develop the website, finding connections with or learning about other users, objects and stories. Further down the line, we may need to secure additional forms of funding. If this is the case, users will be informed about any changes to our terms and conditions. They will be free to review their participation in TOTeM and/or TalesOfThings.com in the light of any new information.
How does TalesOfThings.com relate to the Internet of Things?
The term, Internet of things, refers to the technical and cultural shift that is anticipated as society moves towards a ubiquitous form of computing in which every device is on, and every device is connected in some way to the Internet. By encouraging people to write onto their objects and tag them TalesOfthings.com will help to facilitate a network of objects across the globe and by providing each object with its own Twitter account this will further enhance the individual identity that each object has. Through this site we seek to find a way of making the Internet of Things and tagging technologies personally meaningful to people.
Is TalesOfThings.com safe to use?
We take your safety and that of your objects very seriously. We generally suggest that you do not share stories about objects which have any value beyond being personally meaningful to you. In addition, there are some general tips for online safety: Never share your password with others and never disclose any personal information, such as your full name, address, phone number, or date of birth. If you videotape your object stories, make sure you do not film the outside of your house or anything that might allow people to identify your exact location. Finally, try not to share too much information about your daily or weekly routines, or the periods of time when you will be away on holidays TalesOfThings.com should not turn into a popular resource for burglars!
How else can I get involved?
If you have a specific interest in community work, issues of memory, artefacts, or anything else related to the TOTeM project, you could help us publicise TalesOfThings.com. We have the equipment to set up TOTeM video stalls in libraries, museums, hospitals, nursing homes, or any form of community centre, for people to bring along their objects and record their tales. If you are interested in any form of collaboration or have the opportunity to welcome a TOTeM video stall near you, please contact us [email protected].
In these early stages of the TOTeM project, we are also particularly keen to hear from people with special needs who would be willing to work with the TOTeM team to make TalesOfThings.com as accessible and user-friendly as possible. If you think you can help, please get in touch [email protected].
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification):
An RFID tag can be used to store information on an object using
radio waves. Such information can (but does not have to) enable an
object or place to be tracked. This technology is used for a number
of different applications (e.g. Londons Oyster Card) or by
companies who want to track the location of their goods en route to
a warehouse or shop. It is also the most common method used to chip
pets
QR Code (Quick Response Code):
A QR Code is a two-dimensional bar code (or matrix code). QR codes
are used to identify objects and can link to information about the
object e.g. by taking a photo of a QR code on your mobile phone you
can be automatically linked to a website which would supply
information such as where the product is made or links to other
websites.
Internet of Things:
The term, Internet of things, refers to the technical and cultural
shift that is anticipated as society moves towards a ubiquitous
form of computing in which every device is on, and every device is
connected in some way to the Internet. The specific reference to
things refers to the concept that every new object manufactured
will also be able to part of this extended Internet, because they
will have been tagged and indexed by the manufacturer during
production.
A collaboration between: Brunel University, Edinburgh College of Art, University College London, University of Dundee, University of Salford.
