pcplantdb

[Chad Knepp <pyg@galatea.org>]

Stephanie Gerson writes:
 > hello again,
 > 
 > So I began writing the application for the Lindbergh Foundation
 > today, and I have a few questions/requests:
 > 
 > 1.  Can all of you interested in being included in the project
 > (meaning you are committing to dedicate time, and would be eligible
 > for a small stipend - depending on how much funding we get) please
 > respond and confirm your participation?  Along with that, please
 > send me your resume/ CV.  And Chad, if you plan on being involved
 > (which I hope you do!), please also send me a 1-paragraph bio on
 > yourself (I have bios from everyone else).

My resume is at <http://galatea.org/resume.html>.

Writing about oneself is hard but I guess I would say:

I'm a researcher of sustainable technologies which I accomplish with
the application of a number of accumulated skills and a high level of
creativity.  It is my goal to be able to create and present
information about sustainable lifestyles that not only represents a
higher ecological value but also embodies a higher quality of life.
In the past I have been a carpenter, cook, system administrator, and
farmer. 

Please edit/third person/make stuff up the above as you see fit;-)

 > <snip> 
 >
 > 3.  Please tell me the amount of time you plan on spending on the
 > project (hours/week).

Computers are addictive for me.  I can work happily/productively
50-70/hours a week if I don't have outside commitments.
[Un]fortunately I have some commitments this summer including a CSA
and some smallish construction jobs.  Until the end of October though,
I don't think I can really commit to more than 20-30 hours most weeks.
This is suboptimal because there may be a point where both my garden
and the rest of the project is waiting for me to get things done.
Just a rough guess but I think I could implement the bulk of what
we've been discussing including a moderation system in about 200-300
hours.  Also I'm not enthusiastic about committing unpaid time to the
project in the summer.

 > 4.  They request that we, "Provide a summary describing the
 > research that is already in place, most recent advances made in
 > your area of work, and how your proposed work will
 > contribute. Originality and innovation are important factors in the
 > review process. Also provide a listing of literature cited."  I've
 > found limited information on relationships between plants (besides
 > companion planting) and guild design (which would actually support
 > our cause).  Any ideas?  At least on the viability of
 > relationship-oriented landscape design?

I liked what John said.  I think on a technical level what we are
trying to do is origninal and innovative.  I don't think that there
is much in the way of existing collaborative databases.  Wikis are
very simplistic in comparison to what we would be creating.

 > 5.  They request, "A limited amount of material in support of your
 > project (articles, letters from collaborators/collaborating
 > institutions, photographs, etc.) may be included as part of your
 > application. Eight (8) copies are required for our review
 > process. These materials cannot be returned."  Anything I should
 > include here?  Perhaps a letter from Ibiblio, or a collection of
 > posts to PC listservs requesting relationship-type information - to
 > show that this kind of resource is needed?  What do you think?

Yup, and ditto what John said.

 > <snip>

-- 
Chad Knepp
python -c 'import base64;print base64.decodestring("cHlnQGdhbGF0ZWEub3Jn")'