Piclopedia is a web library that will deliver language-barrier-free how-to plans and designs for appropriate technology tools/devices/techniques that farmers, artisans and cottage-industry fabricators in developing countries can build, use and sell according to their needs. We aim to break down the language barriers that prevent people from accessing the best technologies for their purposes.

Piclopedia is an open-source project and will use a minimally restrictive Wiki technology on its website.

A variety of positions have been identified so far to move Piclopedia from basic idea to full fruition.

Examples: help develop the website structure and iconic search capability; identify appropriate technologies that may be useful to end users; post designs on the Piclopedia website; translate designs into effective forms of universal language (e.g., IKEA-style drawings, photos, videos); solicit participation of NGOs and end-users; incorporate feedback and improvements into plans; negotiate with intellectual property owners when a patent exists; apply for grants; help develop alternative funding mechanisms (e.g. royalty structures); work on editorial review committees; participate in marketing of the site and developing distribution channels; and so on and on.

Team members will choose what kind of tasks they wish to work on, and how they want to develop the tasks. They may choose to work individually or as part of project-oriented teams or on review committees, using whatever skills and abilities are suitable for the tasks chosen.

Project teams may be geographically tight or can be virtual, with members spread around the world. You personally can be based anywhere in the world and participate. You can participate as an individual, or if you are a member of an organization or group with a specific interest or experience that is relevant to the goals of Piclopedia, then you can bring your whole group in as a team. Any permutation or combination that works for you will work for Piclopedia.

To learn more about the project, please visit www.piclopedia.org, where we are posting instructional content while we develop the Wiki site separately.

If you are interested in participating, you can choose a limited task and work on it until it is complete, interacting with others as necessary, or you can work with us to design a larger role to suit you.

This is going to be an enormously rewarding project, and we invite you to get involved!

Daniel Wolf
President, Terra Segura International
Director, Piclopedia Project

email: danielwolf@terrasegura.org
phone: 1 - (619) 546 - 0748
1219 23rd Street
San Diego, CA 92102 USA