This semester, when I need to be able to track changes, add comments, and manage sources, I realized that Google Documents was woefully underpowered. However, I had become accustomed to many of Google Docs unmatched (by Word) features: The ability to access my files from any Internet-enabled machine; No need to merge changes across multiple documents; The ability to share the latest version of my work.

Enter Dropbox. Dropbox is an application that runs on both Windows and Mac which synchronizes files across multiple machines automatically. So, to address my fear of losing my work, plus mirror the features I loved in Google Documents, I saved my paper to my Dropbox folder. That’s it. Any time I edit and save that file, it automatically pushes the file up to the server, which then pushes it down to my other machines.

Dropbox also makes recovering from late-night editing sessions (the ones where I realize late the next day how stupid my writing was) by saving previous versions of my work. If I somehow corrupt my file, no worries: I can revert to the older, working version.

If I want to share the document I’m working on with my wife, I can either create a new shared folder, or place the file (again, all locally) in a “Public” folder and then send her the link. And, with 2GB of space (upgradeable with subscription) I’ve got plenty of room for my school documents.

There are plenty of other uses for Dropbox (included below in the links section), but from the student perspective, this is probably the most direct, easiest, and most useful. Now, all that remains is to work on a “Fly down” indicating buzzer.

Related Links (aka Other reasons to consider using Dropbox):

• Dropbox
• Sync Dropbox w/ Flash Drive
• Start bittorrent Downloads at Home from any Computer
• Sync Bookmarks Across Computers
• Password Syncing

1. Maintain an active – “Playing” / “Not Playing” list. In Chicago, after every game the tournament director would have to look up and make an adhoc pairing for the next game. This could be alleviated by setting up table numbers. After a player finishes a game (assuming he is ready to continue and stays on the “Playing” list) he would be assigned a table. The next rank-appropriate opponent who is available would be sent to that table as well, where her opponent would be waiting.
2. Set aside a lunch break time. Part of the reason for this trip was to meet other Go players. Here in St. Louis, the community has withered to a virtual non-existence. Sure, there are more than enough players to be found on KGS or IGS, but the Internet does not fulfill that social aspect that I enjoy so much.

   In the immediate area around the University of Missouri – St. Louis campus, there are a plethora of eating establishments that could accommodate “x” number of out-of-town’ers. Or, worst case scenario, we order pizza and soda (or Chinese food, I’m flexible) and have it brought to whatever location we’re playing. Either way, a time should be set a part for lunch rather than just having players go and pick up their food between breaks.

   There’s so little about French culture I’ll admit to be jealous of, but they absolutely have it right that meals are meant to be social gatherings. Our tournaments and Go-playing community should reflect this.

3. Couchsurfing mentality. For those new to the Couchsurfing concept, here’s a brief rundown (I beg the indulgance of those who are already familiar): You’re traveling to Chicago (on as small a budget as possible), but you know no one up there and have no idea of what to see. So, logging onto the Couchsurfing website, you first see if there is anyone with a couch you can bum for a few nights. Barring that, you see if anyone’s available to show you around the town.While great for general visits, when going to an event (any event) and this shouldn’t be necessary. During the initial planning stages of a tourney, take a list of names of who’s available to put someone up for the night before and the night of the tournament (and if they’re so willing, how many people they can take in). Then, on a first come, first serve basis, start filing requests.

Let me make this clear: I understand this isn’t the Go Congress. However, the suggestions listed above add no cost to an event and don’t have to involve a lot of planning. Also, I’ve never run a tournament, so I’m perfectly willing to accept that I have no idea of the logistics involved with such suggestions. However, the games played at a tournament are only one part of that tournament experience.

See you at the next open board.

The “place to stay” aspect of this has been the trickiest. Current options: Bum a place w/ a friend of a friend, Couch Surf (which my wife isn’t too pleased with), or book a bed @ a Youth Hostel. The friend of a friend is the most appealing (I trust the guy’s recommendation, assuming it comes) and the Youth Hostel is the least appealing (some of the reviews have described the neighborhoods and/or staff as less than optimal).

The tournament itself is on the U of I Chicago campus, so hopefully where ever I’m staying will have reasonable access to public transportation to get me there. A couple of spring breaks ago, when my friends and I went to Chicago, the public transportation ran well enough that I believe I can not only figure it out, but also rely on it as my main mode whilest there.

Updates as they come.