Bring new life to old memory cards (UPDATED)
By
Mike Tomkins
(Monday, March 9, 2009 - 11:04 EDT)
An email from IR reader Renaud Dehareng called our attention to his new blog, which aims to make use of old memory cards in a really fun way.
Dubbed Photochaining, the concept is simple. Many digital camera owners have old flash memory cards they no longer need - for example, the almost useless low-capacity cards that were once commonly bundled with most digital cameras. All you need do is "name" your unwanted card, then erase and fill it with a few fun pictures that you wouldn't mind becoming public. Then, you place the card in a zip-lock bag with a note explaining the process, and leave it somewhere publicly visible - a coffee shop perhaps, or a park bench.
Soon enough, somebody will happen along and notice the bag's contents. Curiosity will take hold, and the note will encourage them to take the card and become part of its life cycle. They contribute by visiting photochaining.com and sharing the location at which they found the card, along with one of the images it held. That done, they simply erase the card, fill it with a few new photos of their own, and find another public place in which the process can repeat itself - this time making sure to retain the card's previous name.
Over time, the idea is that the cards will create their own stories, independent of their original owners but able to be followed by the given name. The Photochaining website was only recently launched, but already a good dozen or more cards are roaming free, and a couple have already appeared more than once.
If you'd like to join in the fun, hop on over to Photochaining.com for more detailed directions on starting your own photo chain!
UPDATED 2009-03-09 17:49: IR reader David Goldstein pointed out the potential for viruses tagging along for the ride on a "photochained" memory card. We have to admit, although it hadn't occurred to us previously, it does sound very possible. For that reason, we'd suggest that any readers participating in photochaining make sure that their computer is well protected against viruses and other malicious software before participating. Especially, make sure that your definition files are up to date, that your computer isn't set to autorun files on flash cards, and that you scan the entire card before previewing or opening its contents... Thanks for the email, David!
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