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[Changing the World with Mashups]
[May 30, 2006]
[Tantek Celik, Taylor McKnight, Chris Messina, Ian Kennedy (moderator)], Presenters
[Alexandra Krasne], Notetaker
Key issues, changes and trends
• Mashups combine two applications into one. Connects existing data: Google Maps, Traffic Data, Amazon's product listings.
They can connect existing social networks. Don't have to create own thing, leverages what you've already built and puts you a step ahead.
Mashups can be as simple as putting two RSS feeds on a site. A lot possibilities without mashups.
Successful tools and techniques
• Mixing Google maps with a database, for instance using VolunteerMatch and Google Maps to map out volunteer opportunities in a specific neighborhood. Or mixing Google Maps with crime data in Chicago.
Keys to success
• Willingness to experiment and to be creative with possibilities.
Examples, websites cited:
• Business readiness rating: googleopenbrr
Helps evaluate open source software readiness
http://civicspacelabs.org
bookburrow: mashup for libraries/allows you to look up books on other sites. Also can plug in zip code and find out if local library has it.
helpmyneighbor.org
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