To make a start#
I’ve been thinking about this project for about twenty years. First with reed switches and an external computer. Latterly with NFC tags and a Raspberry Pi. The operative word here is “thinking”. I’ve thought about it many times, investigated how some concepts could work. But never have I actually followed through with any action.
For reasons, I made a start this week. All I’ve done is create a repository for the code and hardware designs, a documentation site and a website (that includes this blog).
I have a reasonably clear vision of what I want to build, and how the major parts should come together. But there is a huge amount of work ahead along with an (as yet) unimaginable amount of detail. I don’t think I can really articulate what the end product will be, or who it will look - but I can see it in my minds eye.
I don’t want to build a “product” (as cool as that would be). First and foremost, I just want to build it - for the hell of it. But I also want to build something that other people can build too. I’m convinced others would love to have the michess board that I can see. I’m equally convinced that others would love to take the idea and expand it.
So I’m going down the open route. It just suits me, I think, I hope. I’ve never worked on an open project, nor have I ever been so public about an idea. But now is the time, for reasons. If I get enough of it working, I’d love for others to come along for the ride.
I have learned that progress generally comes from making a series of small steps rather than a giant leap.
Steve Shirley
About artificial assistance#
If anyone reads this blog, they will soon find out that I’m not the best author or communicator. I like to think that I do “OK”, but I know I’m not great. Being dyslexic does not help - well, it’s quite the hindrance actually.
If anyone reads my code, they will soon find out that I’m not the best software developer in the world. I like to think I do “OK”, but I know I’m not the best. Whilst I do work in the industry, software development is not my core strength. What my core strengths are, that my employer pays me for, are not relevant to this blog (at least, not right now).
So, like everyone, I need a little help along the way. If anyone wants to help out, I think I’d love that. But right now, I’m on my own while I develop my ideas. But this means I have used, and will use, the cursed AI. I’m not a huge fan of AI from several points of view, but there is no doubting how helpful it can be when used just a little in just the right places.
I like to think I’m a sensible user of AI. I don’t expect it to think for me. But it can be very helpful in getting things started. I’ve used it to help stub out some documentation pages, research the best tools to use for my repository, documentation and website.
However, this is not an AI project, but I do reserve the right to use it to help me out. What I will use it for is assistance in researching technical details, understanding concepts, creating best practice or boilerplate code structures (i.e. examples for me to follow and learn from) and ,of course, documentation.
What I won’t do is use it to define what I want to build, nor will I use it to replace creativity. I won’t be using AI generated images or other creative content. I believe creativity belongs to humans, and that people should be paid for their work if they want. Where I have used the creative work of others, I have credited them and adhered to their payment preferences. If you think I have not lived up to this standard, please get in touch. It is most likely a mistake on my part, but I would like the chance to rectify it.
Wish me luck#
I’ve written more words than I expected, and I’ve stayed up way too late for a school night.
Eat. Sleep. Create. Repeat.