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OK, love of history strikes again. There have been a few people who started a timeline group who I have contacted to see if we could get the category going. I never heard back from them, so I am going to submit the issue myself. I have created a group called Timelines. The group description reads: "Timelines help us to understand the chronology of historic events, situate newly encountered events and provide a visual aid for identifying cause and effect relationships between events. They are especially enlightening for the understanding of long periods of time (usually pre-historic or geologic) or many events that occurred in a short period of time (often social or cultural events)." I have encountered many timelines as stand-alone exhibitions, on historic plaques, art pieces, visitor centers and architectural enhancements. Timelines are a 'unique' history plaque because they both provide a great deal of information in chronological order - but also presume the viewer has some knowledge of the event to understand the framework of the timeline.

 

The timeline would have to be a permanent piece - not a timeline for a temporary exhibit. I am thinking that the timeline could either be indoors our outdoors, open to the public but a small fee would be OK (in the case of a museum that must charge to remain open). I would like to request the memberships feedback as to whether this would be a valid category, not redundant, and if anyone would like to join the group to get the category going if the membership feels there is interest.

 

Thanks so much,

Outspoken1

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I have come across a few timelines in my travels, usually located on interpretive displays and other placards, plaques or markers. The only reservation I have is if they might fall under the 'Signs of History' category? If they can be proven to be separate and a dedicated category in their own right then I'm all for it.

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My only concerns would be a) multiples in the same museum, and B) possible issues with photography inside the museum, especially if flash is not allowed.

I use a real camera instead of a phone/tablet and $100 cameras do great in low light without a flash. I rarely use flash anywhere because of the glare. In have also played with the panorama setting to get the entire photo and that does not allow for flash use. However, we are now talking technique - not really location restrictions.

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I have come across a few timelines in my travels, usually located on interpretive displays and other placards, plaques or markers. The only reservation I have is if they might fall under the 'Signs of History' category? If they can be proven to be separate and a dedicated category in their own right then I'm all for it.

I am an officer in Signs of History and am trying to avoid redundancy by specifying a timeline (even though is may be part of a larger sign - which would be fine to Waymark - it would just count in two categories). Timelines are a unique method to present information that helps to tie the info to other events so the viewer can understand the growth/improvement/loss/whatever else that is being related in conjunction with existing knowledge. It is a fact/learning/organization organization tool. (OK, I am sounding like a teacher again - sorry [grin]).

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Seem to remember this one being discussed previously...

I was interested enough to join the group, and think I was made an officer.

 

No idea what happened to it. Seemed worth a go to get a category.

I also contacted them several times over the past several years. I finally have more time to devote to Waymarking again, so I figured I would just try again and see if there is interest. Please join the group if you are interested!

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Like the idea too but it will be hard to find one :)

 

Perhaps in your area, but I suspect once you really start looking, you may be surprised. I have found as soon as a new Waymarking category is created, I suddenly notice that item in my area. I never much paid attention to manhole covers until I noticed the category; did not even know what a carillon was; never really paid much attention to LEGOs (before my time); did not understand the true purpose of an orientation table; did not know there were so many different types of train cabooses and that the different types mattered; did not know headstones were made of zinc; and had no idea there was a planned nuclear explosion in Colorado (for peaceful purposes - fracking natural gas). I look forward to new categories because they make me more curious to notice things I had not done before.

 

Take care, Outspopken1

Edited by Outspoken1
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Seem to remember this one being discussed previously...

I was interested enough to join the group, and think I was made an officer.

 

No idea what happened to it. Seemed worth a go to get a category.

I also contacted them several times over the past several years. I finally have more time to devote to Waymarking again, so I figured I would just try again and see if there is interest. Please join the group if you are interested!

 

Joined! :)

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Thanks for the support by members who have joined the group. I will rough out some ideas (actually, I have them roughed out in my head, but since telepathy is a poor way to communicate, I need to type it up) this weekend and get them to you. I will also post some thoughts on this topic for membership input. I will also upload some sample photos.

 

Thanks for the interest!

 

Outspoken1

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So, after having a wonderful evening at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, my mind came up with some possible criteria for the Timeline category.

 

1. Timeline could either be in a free or admission location. I feel this is important because many timelines are often executed in a delicate (will not stand up to weather) or sometimes electronic (touch screen) format. Variables should be free or admission and URL to get the current fees/hours to visit the timeline.

 

2. Timeline should have at least three (arbitrary number - just thinking aloud) specific times denoted. Most timelines I have seen have way more than three, but I wanted to be inclusive. Should it be more than three with the provision of a case by case review for special circumstances by the officers?

 

3. As with the Murals category, good photography is required. Not so much to capture the art, but to provide a legible photo 'story' for the viewer. In other words, the common 'two photo minimum' may not be enough. I just found a stunning timeline that was at least 15 photos (layout was roughly 50 yards (45 m) long). Electronic format (ex. touch screen) timeline may be more difficult to photograph - but it can be done - and you don't need a $2,000 camera. Digital photos are free - it just takes a little more time to upload them (I have DSL, so don't whine - my upload time is very slow! :) ).

 

4. The long description should report the time frame of the timeline (or should that be a variable?), what the timeline is illustrating (i.e., events, technology, evolution), although I don't feel the timeline should have to be fully typed out. Good photos take care of that. Also what did you learn or what surprised you or ???

 

5. While I am in great respect of foreign (maybe 'all' languages is a better word since foreign is in the mouth of the speaker) languages, the quick and long description must be in English.

 

6. Any other thoughts. I don't want to make this too complicated.

 

Feedback and suggestions always appreciated.

 

Timeline example (I reduce photo size to fit in post)

 

IMG_3273a-.JPG

 

IMG_3274a-.JPG

 

IMG_3275a-.JPG

 

IMG_3276a-.JPG

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Minimum of 3 time periods sounds good. Eliminates the simple Before & After type of thing.

 

Minimum of 2 photos should be enough, with more being encouraged, not required.

 

If the text is not readable in the photos, then it should be required in the description. I personally don't have a problem with not requiring the typing in of a huge amount of text that can be read fine from the photos. I'm sure others will have their opinions on that, of course. But that's mine.

 

Looking forward to this category. Thanks a bunch!

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Hi Sandy

 

Here are my thought, or rants.

 

Instruction 1: I had to read several times to make sure, you could post from an entry paid, location.

I assume you can post if it's an outdoor location. (I have seen time lines on brass plaques)

 

2: The time line should be photographed in full, with the dates, headings, sections, readable. Also one of the photos, the full text must be easily readable, this would be the default photo.. Therefore no need to mention a minimum, number of photos. 4,or 5 photos should be sufficient in most situations., but as you say if it needs 15 photos, so what, digital photos are free.

 

3: Everything as you say. If the entire time line is not easily readable in the listings photo gallery, the full text must be included in the long description.

 

4: I think the short description, should include the Time frame, & the gist of the timeline. According to Groundspeak, most people never get to read the long description, and have requested more info in the short descriptions. I don't like variables, that require typing, they often duplicate, the information that should be in the short or long descriptions. Variable drop downs OK.

 

5: I agree English is a must.

 

6: I like to have it made easy for me, so a standard format for the title would be appreciated. perhaps the word (timeline) - (subject) - (period) - (City, State, Country.)

 

I hope this helps. Warm Welsh Wishes Jeff.

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2. Timeline should have at least three (arbitrary number - just thinking aloud) specific times denoted. Most timelines I have seen have way more than three, but I wanted to be inclusive.

 

Will there be a minimum time period?

eg. If there is an 'event that takes a week, or a day, and it is shown in time line, is it acceptable?

 

At least a minimum of two photos, one overall shot of the timeline, and a second of an example/close-up of a panel. Extra photo an added bonus. (Gives visitors a chance to photograph 'other' panels not shown by the poster)

 

Photograph of the location?

Example. I once saw a timeline at Stonehenge, placing Stonehenge in the timeline of 'millions' of years ago, and ending at 'Man on the moon'. Would be nice to have a photograph of Stonehenge?

 

5. While I am in great respect of foreign (maybe 'all' languages is a better word since foreign is in the mouth of the speaker) languages, the quick and long description must be in English.

 

I'm English, live in England...

But I'm happy for Waymarks to be in a posters 'native' language.

BUT. Think English should be included, even if it's a poor 'Google'/on-line translation. (Rather have a proper translation, but so long as I can understand what it's attempting to say, I'm happy.)

Edited by Bear and Ragged
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2. Timeline should have at least three (arbitrary number - just thinking aloud) specific times denoted. Most timelines I have seen have way more than three, but I wanted to be inclusive.

 

Will there be a minimum time period?

eg. If there is an 'event that takes a week, or a day, and it is shown in time line, is it acceptable?

 

Would not matter if the event took place in a day, week or thousands of centuries (usually geologic time). When I say three events, I mean that the timeline should denote at least three 'things' that happened relevant to that event. What I am trying to avoid is a submission of a sign that only tells the date of the event and not a 'timeline' to put the various aspects of the events in a chronological reference (er, that is, a timeline). I don't want to say the timeline must be in a traditional horizontal format because educators are clever and may make a circular timeline or tiered or ...

 

At least a minimum of two photos, one overall shot of the timeline, and a second of an example/close-up of a panel. Extra photo an added bonus. (Gives visitors a chance to photograph 'other' panels not shown by the poster)

 

In theory great, in practice probably not. An overwhelming number of Waymarks are never logged, thus the timeline info would never be available to the people who will never get to actually visit that timeline. For instance, a timeline from Australia. I will probably never get to visit that great country, but I would love to learn remotely about its history.

Photograph of the location?

Example. I once saw a timeline at Stonehenge, placing Stonehenge in the timeline of 'millions' of years ago, and ending at 'Man on the moon'. Would be nice to have a photograph of Stonehenge?

 

Location refers to where the timeline is located - on a sign in a rest area or the entrance of the museum. Just to help understand to location of this information and helps others to find it if they do want to log a visit.

 

5. While I am in great respect of foreign (maybe 'all' languages is a better word since foreign is in the mouth of the speaker) languages, the quick and long description must be in English.

 

I'm English, live in England...

But I'm happy for Waymarks to be in a posters 'native' language.

BUT. Think English should be included, even if it's a poor 'Google'/on-line translation. (Rather have a proper translation, but so long as I can understand what it's attempting to say, I'm happy.)

 

Real happy with a Google translation - just enough English so the Officers can understand to topic of the timeline.

 

Outspoken1's replies indented... (Didn't know to to quote the responses to the initial quotes - my bad)

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Hi Sandy

 

Here are my thought, or rants.

 

Instruction 1: I had to read several times to make sure, you could post from an entry paid, location.

I assume you can post if it's an outdoor location. (I have seen time lines on brass plaques)

 

2: The time line should be photographed in full, with the dates, headings, sections, readable. Also one of the photos, the full text must be easily readable, this would be the default photo.. Therefore no need to mention a minimum, number of photos. 4,or 5 photos should be sufficient in most situations., but as you say if it needs 15 photos, so what, digital photos are free.

 

3: Everything as you say. If the entire time line is not easily readable in the listings photo gallery, the full text must be included in the long description.

 

4: I think the short description, should include the Time frame, & the gist of the timeline. According to Groundspeak, most people never get to read the long description, and have requested more info in the short descriptions. I don't like variables, that require typing, they often duplicate, the information that should be in the short or long descriptions. Variable drop downs OK.

 

5: I agree English is a must.

 

6: I like to have it made easy for me, so a standard format for the title would be appreciated. perhaps the word (timeline) - (subject) - (period) - (City, State, Country.)

 

I hope this helps. Warm Welsh Wishes Jeff.

 

Great insight about variables requiring extra typing, etc. Standard title format you suggest in quite well thought out - it avoids the need for variables. Wonderful!!

 

If the photos are legible, I don't think someone should have to retype that info. I am a poor typist, so I try to be kind to others who may not be great on the keyboard. To my mind, half of Waymarking is about photography, so if a timeline needs 5 photos instead of two, I don't think that is too much of a burden for our members. Digital photography is free-uploading a couple of extra photos is not an undue burden. Especially that would be much less time that retyping all the info on the timeline.

 

I also think many Waymarkers do not realize how often our site is used as a reference site by non-Waymarkers. People check us out for local sights when traveling; for historic info for speeches; or sometimes the only photo documentation of 'something' that may have been vandalized or stolen. Good photography is not hard to accomplish with current digital technology - even on a little $100 point-and-shoot camera.

 

Thanks so much, Outspoken1

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So, after having a wonderful evening at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, my mind came up with some possible criteria for the Timeline category.

 

1. Timeline could either be in a free or admission location. I feel this is important because many timelines are often executed in a delicate (will not stand up to weather) or sometimes electronic (touch screen) format. Variables should be free or admission and URL to get the current fees/hours to visit the timeline.

 

2. Timeline should have at least three (arbitrary number - just thinking aloud) specific times denoted. Most timelines I have seen have way more than three, but I wanted to be inclusive. Should it be more than three with the provision of a case by case review for special circumstances by the officers?

 

3. As with the Murals category, good photography is required. Not so much to capture the art, but to provide a legible photo 'story' for the viewer. In other words, the common 'two photo minimum' may not be enough. I just found a stunning timeline that was at least 15 photos (layout was roughly 50 yards (45 m) long). Electronic format (ex. touch screen) timeline may be more difficult to photograph - but it can be done - and you don't need a $2,000 camera. Digital photos are free - it just takes a little more time to upload them (I have DSL, so don't whine - my upload time is very slow! :) ).

 

4. The long description should report the time frame of the timeline (or should that be a variable?), what the timeline is illustrating (i.e., events, technology, evolution), although I don't feel the timeline should have to be fully typed out. Good photos take care of that. Also what did you learn or what surprised you or ???

 

5. While I am in great respect of foreign (maybe 'all' languages is a better word since foreign is in the mouth of the speaker) languages, the quick and long description must be in English.

 

6. Any other thoughts. I don't want to make this too complicated.

 

Feedback and suggestions always appreciated.

 

Timeline example (I reduced photo size to fit in post. NOTE: this timeline was on one sign, it just took 4 photos to get it all)

 

IMG_3273a-.JPG

 

IMG_3274a-.JPG

 

IMG_3275a-.JPG

 

IMG_3276a-.JPG

Link to comment

OK, love of history strikes again. There have been a few people who started a timeline group who I have contacted to see if we could get the category going. I never heard back from them, so I am going to submit the issue myself. I have created a group called Timelines. The group description reads: "Timelines help us to understand the chronology of historic events, situate newly encountered events and provide a visual aid for identifying cause and effect relationships between events. They are especially enlightening for the understanding of long periods of time (usually pre-historic or geologic) or many events that occurred in a short period of time (often social or cultural events)." I have encountered many timelines as stand-alone exhibitions, on historic plaques, art pieces, visitor centers and architectural enhancements. Timelines are a 'unique' history plaque because they both provide a great deal of information in chronological order - but also presume the viewer has some knowledge of the event to understand the framework of the timeline.

 

The timeline would have to be a permanent piece - not a timeline for a temporary exhibit. I am thinking that the timeline could either be indoors our outdoors, open to the public but a small fee would be OK (in the case of a museum that must charge to remain open). I would like to request the memberships feedback as to whether this would be a valid category, not redundant, and if anyone would like to join the group to get the category going if the membership feels there is interest.

 

Thanks so much,

Outspoken1

 

Yes, timeline in a museum that required an admission fee would be accepted. Just need to note there is a fee and provide URL where a visitor could find the fee (prices increase over time).

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Just a thought - The Waymark Category Exceptional Tree Growth Ring Displays almost always includes a timeline. Should this be included in the Timeline category or excluded (In other words - tree ring timeline posted in Exceptional Tree Growth Ring Displays category? Personally, I don't care one way or another. Just looking for feedback.

 

Don't include - they are rough approximations only

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I didn't see a response on the idea of having a required amount of time passed in the timeline, but my opinion is to not do that.

 

I've seen some interesting timelines that involved some major and fascinating thing that took place in a single day! In those cases the timeline markings were in hours or hour:minute or some such. It would be a pity to exclude them just because of a minimum elapsed time. After all, there must have been enough significance to the events to warrant the timeline marker in the first place!

 

Anyway, that's my opinion. I do like the minimum of 3 events on the timeline, but I personally wouldn't get more restrictive than that.

 

Really hoping to see this category fly. If you need officers, I'm available. :)

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