Thanks

Screen Shot 2012-12-29 at 4.37.34 PMDust or Magic has been shaped by many individuals who are passionate about children and technology.

From the start, this  has been a collaborative effort; and the real “magic” has always been the people in the room.

First — thanks to the participants — anyone who has ever filled out the registration form has invested in the idea, keeping the agenda free from sponsorship bias or other agendas that can seep into the DNA of a social gathering.  You’ve helped me dodge a necessary evil, and allowed me and the other reviewers who attend to give you direct feedback, while providing honest reviews of your products.

Next to the CTR staff — specifically to Ann Orr and Ellen Wolock, the first CSR editors who helped me get the first edition off the ground; and the able staff at the Inn at Lambertville Station that  helped reschedule during the events of 9/11/2001 (thanks to Louise and JB) and more recently Hurricane Sandy in 2012.  Pat Sevchuk, Tracey Lyons, Chris Grabowich, Bobbie Nester, Mary Beth Griffith; Rick Toon; but especially Lisa DellaFave, Matthew DiMateo and Megan Billitti for getting everything right, the first time.

Daren Carstens has been there through it all… ably moving from participant to facilitator, and leaving his indelible spark of magical creativity on every session.

Many have served as “demo dogs” over the years, but Michael Colombo stands out for his willingness to take on any task, such as removing an air swimmer from a ceiling fan or playing a trombone on a Pacific beach.

WEST COAST I was encouraged by many, especially Mandeep Dhillon, Caroline Hu Flexer, and John Ittelson to start a West Coast edition. Now, I’m glad I did. Our first edition was prophetically five days after the first iPad shipped. Thanks to John, Keli and Trev for equipment storage,  BBQs, bagpipes and logistics.

BOLOGNA The seed planted in 1997 by David Biltchik has grown, with the help Ilaria Beccari, Roberta Chini, Marco Momoli and Neal Hoskins.

HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION Jo Llyod and Kent Brown have greatly helped with the literacy retreat.

appCamp2013Logo copyMORAL SUPPORT
Many believed in the Dust or Magic concept from the start, including my family, Aleen Stein, Bob Hughes (who gave me permission to use the title of his book to name the first event), Patrick Dickson, Doug Lynch, Robin Raskin, Chip Donohue, Jesse Schell, Lane Merrifield, Barbara Chamberlin, Keli Winters, Mark Schlichting and Barbara Chase, James Oppenheim, Shelly Day, Jack Minsky, David Kleeman, Jeff Braun, Claire Green, Jim Marggraff, David Pogue (who didn’t say no), Reyne Rice, Jean Piaget, Kent Brown, JP Dyson, Jo Lloyd, Bob Wickenden, Scott Traylor; and all the children who have inspired the presentations, served on panels and reminded us who we’re working for.

Said Roger Wagner: “I realized that there is a grammatical detail to be considered. The name of the group and community is “Dust OR Magic”, but the quotes says “Dust TO Magic”. And, although the quote says “can turn”, making it clear that the “magic” isn’t a guaranteed outcome, it seems to me more correct to say, “An idea can turn to Dust OR Magic”, depending on the talent that rubs against it.”,  for there are both negative and positive “talents” in this world, and many a “good idea” has been turned to dust because it was handled without love and understanding. I would constructively suggest that you consider making the other form of the quote (with “or), as being not only more consistent with your group, but in fact more inspiring because one must use mindful caution and not just blind enthusiasm. For what it’s worth…”  I think it’s worth consideration.

So let’s try this: “An idea can be Dust or Magic depending on the talent that rubs against it.”

ART CREDITS

Daren Carstens coined the term “AppCamp” and created the first “toasted marshmallow in an iPhone” image  as a joke. Sometimes jokes stick, and so do marshmallows.

PHOTO CREDITS
David Kleeman took some of the group shots, especially of the first AppCamp.
Katherine Burdick took many shots from the first eBook retreat at the Highlights Foundation.
Kristina Joy Honda, took many high quality photos during Dust or Magic AppCamp 2013.
Kaare Christian took some amazing photos at Dust or Magic 2014 in Lambertville.

VIDEO CREDITS
We’ve tried to get the word out with YouTube… Scott Traylor has been capturing many of the talks on his YouTube Channel and has helped incredibly by having his camera on, and knowing where to point it. Other video editors have been listed in the credits of each work, including Fred Nelson, Richard Carey, Ben Kates, Matthew DiMatteo and Will Robinson.

To you all… my thanks for believing in the power of making digital magic for our children.
W. Buckleitner

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