Causal Islands San Francisco Tiny Talks Recap
Recap of first Causal Islands San Francisco event: Tiny Talks at The Embassy.
Last week's Causal Islands Tiny Talks went off! Thanks to everyone who joined us – you brought good vibes, great questions, and fascinating takes.
Most of all, we heard from you, San Franciscans, that we need to have more of this community–the beautiful Venn-diagram that graces distributed computing, hyperlink art, novel interfaces, local-first, and cryptography.
Raz presenting Basic
Raz was up first with a talk about the user-owned local-first database he's cooking up at Basic (he's hiring!), including a live-coded demo setting up a syncing to-do app in a few minutes. His wifi didn't work, which proved to be a flex as the app worked regardless. Local first!
Rupert on rigid and fluid interfaces
Rupert spoke next about the schism between the rich-yet-rigid interfaces of conventional computing, and the fluid-yet-limiting text interfaces of langauge models. He presented a demo of a new sort of web-based software that combines the best of both. He's started a new company to tackle this issue (and is also hiring!)
Ivan on Art & Internet Curiousities
Next was Ivan who brought the artistry to our session with a meditative tour of internet curiosities. Ivan drew a bow through comics, explorative games, the form of digital life, and generative blackout poetry with Markov Chains.
David demo's local-first chat with WebCrypto API & DIDs
Finally David, who walked us through his local-first chat that used WebCrypto API, DIDs. Try out the chat and check the source code.
Lots of very interesting sounding stuff about cryptography that, dear reader, the author of this memo did not comprehend.
Thanks to Basic for Drinks & Snacks and the Embassy for Hosting
Many thanks to Raz from Basic for sponsoring drinks and snacks and to Spencer from The Embassy who graciously provided us the space to host.
Social at Toronado
After some socializing and snacks at The Embassy, we wandered off to craft beer bar Toronado. We'll probably want to find a bigger space with a bit cozier vibes next time, but a few beer aficionados stayed until late.
What's Next for San Francisco
Rupert, Ivan, and Raz are the local organizing team. There seems to be interest in future events, so stay tuned for a similar cozy vibe for late September.
Other Causal Islands & related events around the world are listed in the calendar, and you can drop by the Discord chat to check in with what else is happening in the community.