DIFFUSION
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ABOUT
Proboscis is building a web service enabling people to create their own DIFFUSION eBooks without the need for graphic design expertise or access to professional DTP software. Our aim is to extend the usefulness and accessibility of the DIFFUSION publishing format beyond designers with access to dedicated desktop publishing software – to create an online community tool that is useable by anyone with access to the internet.

A proof-of-concept prototype was developed in summer 2003 and work on a full working system (database driven content management system with on-the-fly eBook previewing and print-to-PDF) started in July 2004. Proboscis began testing the first phase prototype in March 2006 and a second phase in November 2006. The third phase prototype is being introduced in Summer 2007 for testing. We aim to complete the testing and development phase and to begin public testing of the Generator in 2008.

Over the next few years Proboscis plans to build a consortium of funders and partners to explore how the Generator could be used in developing nations as a hybrid digital/material publishing platform. In 2007/08 we are running a series of Case Study Residencies investigating the potential uses of the Generator for different kinds of creative outcome, including social and cultural contexts in the developing world.

 

OUR VISION
Proboscis believes that DIFFUSION offers exciting possibilties for the sharing of knowledge and information, especially in developing countries where lack of physical infrastructure means shipping bulky objects (like books) is difficult and expensive, but where internet communications are beginning to proliferate and low cost paper publications are still easier for most people to access and read than computer screens. They could, for instance, be used to provide low-cost, quickly updateable manuals for intermediate technologies, for promoting health awareness or as a publishing platform for citizen journalism. DIFFUSION provides an alternative to traditional print and online publishing – bridging analogue and digital media. The eBooks can be shared electronically (as PDF files), by photocopy or as hand-made paper books – samizdat for the digital age.

Development Team: Giles Lane & Phil Ayres with Karen Martin

 

CASE STUDY RESIDENCIES & EXCHANGES
During 2007 Proboscis is hosting a programme of short residencies enabling artists and writers to spend up to five days in Proboscis' London studio exploring the potential of the DIFFUSION Generator for creating eBooks and StoryCubes. The residencies will include:

  • artist and community development consultant, Bev Carter;
  • novelist and writer Tony White;
  • artist, Andrew Hunter;
  • social researcher, Paul Goodwin;
  • artist and programme manager at New Media Scotland, Michelle Kasprzak; and
  • a group of young aspiring writers and comic artists, Ayooluwa Alao, Georgia Hudson, Eloise Mitchell & Vanda Rjechko.

Additionally Proboscis is fundraising for an international series of Case Study Exchanges to explore the potential uses of the DIFFUSION format and the Generator in developing countries and with indigenous peoples.

Examples of eBooks and StoryCubes created during the residencies are available online in the DIFFUSION Generator Library.

 

WHAT COULD I USE THE GENERATOR FOR?
The DIFFUSION format is extremely flexible and can be used in many ways, such as for:

    • publishing essays, short stories or poems
    • creating simple, easy to distribute manuals and instructions
    • distributing lecture notes to students
    • creating class-specific teaching and learning resources
    • creating a portable family picture album
    • creating a visual record of a journey
    • making a personal diary or journal
    • creating a mini-portfolio for artists
    • notebooks & diaries for fieldwork (e.g. for anthropology or ethnography)
    • local newsletters or pamphlets
    • an iterative tool for brainstorming & innovation workshops

To find out more about what eBooks are and what the Generator can do, download this special eBook, This is not a book. A4 | US Letter

Please note that at present the Generator is only available for testing by invitation.
To join the test group please write to us (diffusion [at] proboscis dot org dot uk) with an outline of why you want to use the Generator and what you propose using it for. Please note that the Generator is a prototype and we are unable to offer technical support to users.
To be notified when the public testing begins, please join the Proboscis Announcements Mailing List


PLEASE DONATE
DIFFUSION Generator is a self-funded project developed by Proboscis. Donations are important to support the development of this tool and to publish DIFFUSION eBooks and StoryCubes as free resources. Please click the button below to make a secure donation by credit card or Paypal (no account necessary):
  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
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Last updated October 2, 2007 		Arts Council England