Difference between revisions of "History of Ephemerisle"

From ephemerisle
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(44 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
__NOTOC__
 +
{{History nav}}
  
Ephemerisle was founded in [[Ephemerisle_2009|2009]] by the Seasteading Institute in order to promote their vision of autonomous socities in the ocean.  After the first year, the Seasteading Institute stepped aside due to prohibitively expensive insurance costs.  A group of seasteaders and friends who had rented houseboats for the event decided to show up anyways for an informal "Not-ephemerisle" gathering. 
+
[[File:Ithaka.jpg |thumb|450px|right|Ithaca Island - 2015]]
  
From [[Ephemerisle_2010|2010]]  through [[Ephemerisle_2012|2012]] , there was an informal leader over the event who drew up the city plan and nominally had some decision making power.  At some point, the Seasteading institute gave up any claims to the name "Ephemerisle" and "Not-Ephemerisle" took over the name. In 2012, the community came together and unanimously made a decision to break up the gathering from a single leadership team into a set of independent autonomous islands.   That has been the nature of the event ever since.
+
Seasteading is the movement to create autonomous communities (new cities or countries) on the sea. [http://seasteading.org The Seasteading Institute] (TSI) is a nonprofit that advances the movement. In [[Ephemerisle_2009|2009]], TSI created Ephemerisle as a laboratory of seasteading.  Patri's [https://patrifriedman.com/projects/ephemerisle/ original website and info] about Ephemerisle is still online.
  
Houseboats were a key element of Ephemerisle early historyIn 2015, every houseboat available for rent in the Delta was rented within hours of the date being announced. In 2018, Paradise Point who provided the rented houseboats closed that part of their business, and that was the first year without any rented houseboats.  
+
After the first year, TSI stepped aside due to prohibitively expensive insurance costsA group of seasteaders and friends decided to continue the event on an informal basis, calling it "Not-ephemerisle." In 2011, TSI graciously handed the name over to the community and we became "Ephemerisle" again.  
  
== 2009 ==
+
From [[Ephemerisle_2010|2010]]  through [[Ephemerisle_2012|2012]], there were an informal leader over the event each year who drew up the city plan and nominally had some decision-making power.  In 2012, the community unanimously decided to decentralize from a single leadership team into a independent autonomous islands.  That has been the nature of the event ever since.
  
[[File:Ephemerisle_2009_highest_altitude_aerial_shot.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Ephemerisle 2009]]
+
Houseboats were a key element of Ephemerisle's early history.  In 2015, every houseboat available for rent in the Delta was rented within hours of the date being announced. In 2018, Paradise Point who provided the rented houseboats closed that part of their business, and that was the first year without any rented houseboats.  
  
Ephemerisle was originally organized by the Seasteading Institute (http://seasteading.org/)) (TSI) to promote the cultural concept of seasteading - the construction of autonomous floating nation-states - in a hands-on and accessible way. 
+
== 2009 ==
 
 
The first Ephemerisle was held on October 2-4th, and located just SE of where [http://marinas.com/view/inlet/301_Disappointment_Slough_Inlet_CA_United_States Disappointment Slough] (which extends to Paradise Point Marina) meets the main channel,
 
[https://maps.google.com/maps/myplaces?ll=38.032805,-121.467966&spn=0.005738,0.009474&ctz=420&t=h&z=17&dg=feature as seen on this Google Map].
 
 
 
The event was sponsored & run by [http://seasteading.org The Seasteading Institute], with central platforms
 
built by [http://chickenjohn.com/ Chicken John Rinaldi] and his hard-working crew, who built a work boat and crane for the operation.
 
 
 
The event amassed 9 houseboats and a community*built platform anchored
 
to the shore. A variety of art projects were funded by TSI. The event attracted media attention and was the subject of [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pmTM9hh_qM a documentary] by Stanford Film Master's student Jason Sussberg.[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301*504383_162-5377477-504383.html 1][http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2009/1009/1224256256776.html 2][http://reason.com/archives/2009/10/21/building*e 3][http://www.flickr.com/photos/11457042@N02/4069387251/in/photostream/ 4][http://www.webcitation.org/5zWklKAB5 5].
 
 
 
Perhaps most importantly, it was successful enough to lead to community
 
interest and growth in future years.
 
  
=== Videos ===
+
[[File: Ephemerisle 2009-1.jpg |thumb|200px|left|Ephemerisle 2009]]
 +
The event was sponsored & run by [http://seasteading.org The Seasteading Institute] (TSI).  The only year in Ephemerisle's history with tickets. 
  
*  [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pmTM9hh_qM Ephemerisle 2009 Documentary] - 08:32
+
9 Houseboats and a community platform anchored to shore.  
*  [http://vimeo.com/6913877 Ephemerisle 2009 - by Tamas Kalman]
 
*  I'm On A Boat spontaneous community dance moment
 
**  [http://vimeo.com/6909742 We're on a Floating Thing - by Dav Yaginuma] - Ephemerislers all dancing to "I'm On A Boat" song Sunday Morning. Love the line: I'm on a milk crate!
 
**  [http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=155138438457 Natalie's Video]
 
*  [http://www.vimeo.com/6939893 Brian Doherty on Ephemerisle vs.Seasteading] (shot by Jason Sussberg)
 
** love the transition out of the mini-interview (minterview?)
 
*  [http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=158161541136 First test of Patri's Pirate Pyramid raft] - by Sean Hastings. This raft capsized during Patri's journey to the site when he tried climbing to the top for a better view.
 
*  [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9MawS16Xm8  Ephemerisle Saturday night] - short clip of how the island looked Saturday night.
 
*  [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDcBUuRhtzE  Matt and Holly fighting with light sabers]
 
*  [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL8kI813i24 Saikat describing Ephemerisle Sunday morning]
 
*  [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qkNaOvgh6s"Drunk" guy crosses back from Achievement Lounge] Ben Lavender - seastead.org's sysadmin!)
 
*  [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW1DPmfSPnk Matt's Ripple Theater]
 
  
=== Photos ===
+
[[Ephemerisle 2009|(details)]]{{clr}}
 
 
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/11457042@N02/with/4046846371/ Aerial images]
 
*  [http://www.flickr.com/photos/11338642@N00/sets/72157622412354641/ Chris Rasch (257 pics)]
 
*  [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dh2k/sets/72157622393829359/Tamas Kalman (186 pics)]
 
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizhenry/sets/72157622386598023/ Liz Henry (136 pics)]
 
*  [http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=114727&id=735083515 Anja Ulfeldt (89 pics)]
 
*  [http://www.flickr.com/photos/9055206@N06/sets/72157622400287699/ Matt Bell (54 pics)]
 
*  [http://www.facebook.com/album.php?page=1&aid=114086&id=743328888 Ben Lavender (29 pics) - Ephemerisle & Conference]
 
*  [http://www.flickr.com/photos/10111/sets/72157622399726499/ Danger Ranger (23 pics)]
 
*  [http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=114364&id=633091136 Sean Hastings (21 pics)]
 
*  [http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034725&id=1051620046&l=af31ba1fb8 Lasse Birk Olesen (38 pics) - Ephemerisle & Conference]
 
*  For 2+ years, Ephemerisle 2009 (picture taken Friday, before full combining of boats/platforms) was in the Google Maps satellite image for that location, it was lots of fun to show it to people in their Google Maps :). As of 2012, the image has been updated and Ephemerisle is no longer there.
 
 
 
=== Participant Reports===
 
 
 
*  [http://seanlynch.livejournal.com/18776.html Sean Lynch: Lessons learned at Ephemerisle], and [http://seanlynch.livejournal.com/19173.html the dairy ferry] (about the rope ferry).
 
*  [http://nasu*dengaku.livejournal.com/236560.html Matt Bell: the Ephemerisle experience] - *It was beautiful, sublime, chaotic, messy, and full of potential for future years.*, many pictures.
 
*  [http://spoonless.livejournal.com/160169.html ephemerisle, year 1 - a grand success!]
 
*  [http://nasu-dengaku.livejournal.com/237326.html Matt Bell's list of Lessons learned]
 
*  [http://peter-bayesian.livejournal.com/5315.html Peter]
 
*  [http://crasch.livejournal.com/835614.html Chris Rasch - Thought dump following Ephemerisle  ‘09]
 
*  Will Wilson -- his [http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/postmodernconservative/2009/09/10/questions-for-ephemerislers questions before attending Ephemerisle], and [http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/postmodernconservative/2009/10/07/scattered-preliminary-thoughts-on-ephemerisle his thoughts afterwards].
 
*  [http://jhogan.livejournal.com/79704.html James Hogan]
 
*  [http://atlasnetwork.org/networknews/2009/10/13/think*tank-diary-week-3-what-is-ephemerisle/ Patri Friedman]
 
** Describing a few tiny fragments of an incredible experience.
 
  
 
== 2010 ==
 
== 2010 ==
  
[[File:Ephemerisle_2010_dive_jump.jpg|thumb|260px|right|Ephemerisle 2010]]
+
[[File:Ephemerisle_2010_dive_jump.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2010]]
 +
TSI officially abandoned the event about a month before it was to begin due to prohibitively high insurance costs.  Instead, leaderless, decentralized "NotEphemerisle" was born.
  
TSI decided that the liability from the event was too serious to bring it back in a 2nd year without getting insurance.  About a month before the event was supposed to happen, TSI cancelled it because the cheapest insurance they could get was over $300/person. 
+
About 120 people showed up, with 8(?) houseboats, and a platform.  
 
 
A group of people who had already rented houseboats for the event decided to show up anyways for a leadersless non-event:  "Not Ephemerisle" was born. 
 
 
 
In the second year, Ephemerisle took place during July 23-25, 2010, in the Mandeville Tip County Park on the [[wikipedia:Sacramento_–_San_Joaquin_River_Delta|Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta]] ([http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207854270338809155245.0004864803082020221ed&ll=38.058837,-121.539345&spn=0.047915,0.098791&z=11 map]).
 
 
 
This year, [http://seasteading.org The Seasteading Institute] officially abandoned the event about a month before it was to begin because the insurance costs turned out to be around $300/person. As a community, we decided to show up anyway and create an unofficial self-organized event, branded "NotEphemerisle". Despite the lack of central organization, it still worked quite well, and around 120 people showed up and had a great time.
 
 
 
Besides recreational activities, the event also hosted 12 "Memocracy" talks.[http://www.flickr.com/photos/9055206@N06/5025171206/]
 
 
 
===Photos===
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/fimp/sets/72157624609759816/with/4840674823/ Aerial photos from a balloon]
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=notephemerisle2010 Flickr tag: notephemerisle2010]
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=ephemerisle2010 Flickr tag: ephemerisle2010]
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=ephemerisle2010 Flickr tag: floatingfestival2010]
 
  
 +
[[Ephemerisle 2010|(details)]]{{clr}}
 
== 2011 ==  
 
== 2011 ==  
 +
[[File: 2011a.jpg |thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2011]]
  
[[File:2011_map.jpg|thumb|right|400px|]]
+
TSI handed the name over to the community and the event became "Ephemerisle" again. Every houseboat available was rented and we built a U-shaped city. 
  
TSI handed the name "Ephemerisle" back to the community and the community run event continued and turned into a huge success.  Every available houseboat in the delta was rented for the event and a large community/dance platform was built.
+
Approximately 200 people and a 20'x24' platform.  
  
Ephemerisle 2011 took place during Jun 9-12, in the same location as the previous two years - the Mandeville Tip County Park on the [[wikipedia:Sacramento_–_San_Joaquin_River_Delta|Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta]] ([http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207854270338809155245.0004864803082020221ed&ll=38.058837,-121.539345&spn=0.047915,0.098791&z=11 map]).
+
[[Ephemerisle 2011|(details)]]{{clr}}
 
 
After having to rebrand the event "NotEphmerisle" (or "UnEphemerisle") last year due to insurance and legal technicalities, this year [http://seasteading.org The Seasteading Institute] did not officially attempt to organize the event and let us use the name "Ephemerisle". We rented out every houseboat in the region, built a 20x24 [[Community Platform|floating platform]], brought around 200 people, and made the event an unequivocal success.
 
 
 
Read '''Matt Bell's excellent [http://nasu-dengaku.livejournal.com/372390.html summary of Ephemerisle 2011]'''. Paul Bohm also write his [http://paulbohm.com/ephemerisle-2011-summary/ thoughts on what made Ephemerisle a great occasion to connect].
 
 
 
 
 
===Photos and videos===
 
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TvWO7BvQ8E 30-second 360-degree video of Ephemerisle City] and [http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150208041372800.328266.606977799 panoramas]
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/9055206@N06/sets/72157626598333575/ Matt Bell's Flickr set] and [http://www.flickr.com/photos/9055206@N06/5832033024/in/set-72157626598333575/ video]
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ephemerisle2011/ Flickr pictures tagged ephemerisle2011]
 
* [https://picasaweb.google.com/arcanepackrat/Ephemerisle2011 Darryl Hunt's Picasa album]
 
* [https://picasaweb.google.com/memgineer/201106Ephemerisle Tanya's Picasa album]
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/53978179@N06/sets/72157626977117302/ Bonnie's Flickr set]
 
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXl0nMoD1nY Testing Matt Bell's game platform]
 
* [http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100483831200203.2884160.1219300 Ping's pictures on Facebook]
 
* [http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/album.sfly?startIndex=0&sid=0AYuWjVw4YsmjiA&fid=9d1553f38df7a19d Scott's pictures on Shutterfly]
 
* [https://picasaweb.google.com/Poorfinn/Emphermerisle2011 Cj Sewell's pictures on Picasa]
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/ratha.grimes/media_set?set=a.697901268149.2200588.4802344&type=1 Ratha's pictures]
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/tyson.macdonald/media_set?set=a.10150208041372800.328266.606977799&type=1 Tyson's pictures]
 
* [http://www.snapfish.com/snapfish/shareereg/p=953201308626361024/l=9058005017/g=12233904/cobrandOid=1000/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBFB/pns/snapfish/share/p=953201308626361024/l=9058005017/g=12233904/cobrandOid=1000/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBFB Megan Dobro's photos]
 
 
 
===Technical details===
 
* [[Community Platform]] (aka "center stage") - a 20x24ft. floating platform assembled on location
 
* [[Byol_design|BYOL design]] (Bring Your Own Land)
 
* Research on how to [[Floatation|float]] structures
 
 
 
===Talks and lectures===
 
* (Most of the) [[Ephemerisle 2011 microtalks]]
 
 
 
=== Debrief discussions ===
 
* [[What worked|What worked and what didn't in 2011]]. 
 
* [[Ideas for 2012]] (what would you like to try next year?)
 
 
 
=== Lost and found ===
 
* [https://spreadsheets0.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?authkey=CNX31LYG&pli=1&hl=en_US&key=t5er2-xbSpCnuQHVP9_iDBg&hl=en_US&authkey=CNX31LYG#gid=0 Lost and found spreadsheet]
 
  
 
== 2012 ==  
 
== 2012 ==  
 
+
[[File: 2012 platform build.jpg |thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2012]]
In 2012, the Ephemerisle "city" was broken into 3 islands to simplify anchoring the large number of boats.  A HUGE windstorm hit, houseboats were damaged, anchors were pulled out, and the community as a whole learned a ton about boating safety, and gained a new respect for the elements.   
 
  
 
The first year of islands!   
 
The first year of islands!   
  
Ephemerisle 2012 took place from June 6 to 10 at Mandeville Tip, the same location as the previous year. The event grew significantly this year, with houseboats and sailboats numbering at least 25 and attendance estimated around 300.
+
A 40+ knot windstorm wreaked havoc and inspired the sundering.
 
 
This year we experimented with breaking the city into three separately anchored islands.  North and South were made up of houseboats and each had their own platform.  The West Island was made up of sailboats and powerboats. 
 
 
 
A huge windstorm picked up just before the weekend with winds up to 40 knots.  Anchors were pulled out.  Boats were damaged.  And calls were made out telling no else to come to the event because everything was falling apart.
 
 
 
Miracuously, the two 60lb anchors held the two houseboat islands by themselves when all other anchors had pulled free preventing these islands from drifting away. 
 
 
 
=== Photos and videos ===
 
 
 
Please add links to your photo albums and videos of the event below!
 
 
 
*  [http://www.flickr.com/photos/9055206@N06/sets/72157630109779218/ Matt Bell]
 
*  [http://www.flickr.com/photos/abidmohsin/sets/72157630101352710/with/7360928854/ Abid Mohsin]
 
*  [http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=252076498227818 Video - Launching the rope barge that connected the two rafts]
 
*  [https://picasaweb.google.com/memgineer/201206Ephemerisle Tanya's photos and a few videos (including Jellypus and fire  dancing]
 
*  Add a link here
 
  
=== Talks ===
+
Jack Frenzy ran from the cops and went for a swim.
 +
 +
21 houseboats. 9 other boats. About 300 people.
  
*  Add a talk here
+
[[Ephemerisle 2012|(details)]]{{clr}}
 
 
=== Projects ===
 
 
 
What did you help build or create this year?
 
 
 
*  Jellypuss: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsBFVEs4MfQ&feature=related]
 
*  Dance platform
 
*  Cuddle gallery platform and dome
 
*  Jellyfish
 
*  Lemonade and lasers
 
 
 
=== Unofficial statistics for Ephemerisle 2012 ===
 
 
 
*  Population: \~290 (including day trippers)
 
*  Ephemerisle (the discussion group) members: 597
 
*  Fully funded projects: 9
 
*  Total donations: \$7,898
 
*  Unique donors: \~113
 
*  Avg donation: \$70 (very loose \#'s as didn't have the actual data of individual donors)
 
*  Number of houseboats: 21
 
*  Number of other boats: 9+
 
*  Anchors set: 19
 
*  Anchors lost (temporarily): 2
 
*  Anchors lost (permanently): 2
 
*  Community Platforms: 2
 
*  Rescues from the water: \~11
 
*  Whale rescues from the water: 1
 
*  Rescued whales hoisted to a mast: 1
 
*  Couples married: 1
 
*  Coast Guard Calls: 1
 
*  Coast Guard Hotties: 1
 
*  Injuries requiring medical attention (1 head gash, patched with skull & crossbones bandaids)
 
*  Deaths: 0
 
 
 
=== Planning documents ===
 
 
 
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArM4SmspDEEAdFBtLVVHX3ZDb1ZxbUR0NENhWnBmSlE#gid=0 Directory of boat & craft captains]
 
 
 
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgKZP4JRtNIsdFlrbHdWZ0hVLThHVGt3d29leU9kaWc#gid=0 Central platform schedule]
 
 
 
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgKZP4JRtNIsdGZObGdPMXlCRmxyZnI0aHpFdEpKa0E#gid=0 Memocracy talks schedule]
 
 
 
If you just need a place to stay at Ephemerisle, you can make arraignments with [https://www.wepay.com/donations/the-sleeper-service The SleeperService]. If you
 
need water transportation from H&H Marina, see the [https://hackpad.com/lOmbmtU3NzO#Transportation-between-H&H-Marina-and-Ephemerisle 2012 transportation document]
 
 
 
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGg2UUtFQThEUWlrZWE0NEVzRkhBVmc6MQ Add an event to the 2012 central platform schedule]
 
or [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgKZP4JRtNIsdGg2UUtFQThEUWlrZWE0NEVzRkhBVmc&pli=1#gid=0 review the currently proposed events].
 
 
 
If you want to view the performance/broadcast schedule, make your request to thipdar ta gmail tod com. If you would like to play CDs for Radio FMerisle or be a performing DJ, you can send a request for a time slot to the same e-mail address.
 
 
 
Fill out the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArM4SmspDEEAdFBtLVVHX3ZDb1ZxbUR0NENhWnBmSlE#gid=0 boat/platform survey] so we can plan the city. Learn how to build your own floating platform!
 
 
 
Come to the [http://www.facebook.com/events/239599762803523/ build your own land event], April 7-8.
 
 
 
[images/2011-platform-design-final.pdf  Download Ratha Grimes' 2011 platform design.]
 
 
 
=== Fundraising efforts ===
 
 
 
*  [https://www.wepay.com/donations/central-platform-2012 Central  Platform]  **FULLY FUNDED** - Bring back the Central Platform from last year and expand it to be 24'x28'.
 
*  [https://www.wepay.com/donations/ephemerisle-cuddle-gallery Cuddle Platform / Gallery] **FULLY FUNDED** - Ephemerisle needs a space where community members can chill out, cuddle among friends, admire art, practice yoga, and  talk about all the great ideas that our floating festival inspires!
 
*  [https://www.wepay.com/x104yv4/donations/ephemerisle-communal-anchoring-supplies Anchoring]  **FULLY FUNDED** - This has been a problem in the past at Ephemerisle. We met our original goal. Now we're looking for a couple of hundred extra dollars for additional rope and chain. Help ensure Ephemerisle literally doesn't get blown away.
 
*  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/22415368/jellypus-floating-flashing-art-thing-take-2 [Jellypus] **FULLY FUNDED** - a massive underwater octopus like light show.  There is a [second round of funding](https://www.wepay.com/donations/jellypuss-round-two) to cover extra costs to the project.
 
*  [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1346841808/lemonade-and-lasers-floating-art-platform Lemonade and Lasers] **FULLY FUNDED** - a floating lemonade stand with lasers.
 
*  [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1409302307/the-amphibious-red-couch The Amphibious Red Couch] **FULLY FUNDED** - a Bicycle-Pedal-Powered Paddlewheel Pontoon Couch
 
*  [https://www.wepay.com/donations/radio-fmerisle-saturday-night-dance-party Performers and equipment fund]
 
** support the Radio FMerisle Saturday Night Dance Party. About $1,400 in expenses paid out-of-pocket and the event was cancelled due to high winds. Still time to donate, if you want to express appreciation for Rion Fish's Friday evening performance.
 
*  [https://www.wepay.com/donations/ephemerisle-speed-limit-signs-project Speed Limit Signs] **TIMED OUT** - temporary floating speed limit signs, to warn boaters to slow down near Ephemerisle. These signs will be reuseable for years. Overly-optimistic; signs were not stable in high wind.
 
*  [https://www.wepay.com/donations/well-deserved-rum Well deserved rum] **FULLY FUNDED** - send bottles of rum along to Paul Wheeler and the two people (who despite not being able to attend Ephemerisle) loaned us the big expensive 60lb anchors.
 
*  [https://www.wepay.com/donations/paul-wheeler-s-anchor Repay for Paul's Cut Anchor] **FULLY FUNDED** - Paul lost an anchor at some point; most likely someone motored over his anchor line. Adam found a nice used anchor, but let's get this and his bottle of rum.
 
*  [https://www.wepay.com/donations/platform-storage Platform Storage]()
 
** rental on the storage unit for the platforms
 
 
 
 
 
=== THE BALLAD OF JACK FRENZY ===
 
(name changed due to privacy considerations)
 
 
 
[[File:frenzy.jpg|500px|Ephemerisle 2012. Photo credit, Jennifer Wheeler]]
 
 
 
<pre>
 
(sung to the tune of The Ballad of Gilligan's Island)
 
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale
 
A tale of an acid trip

 
One man took at Ephemerisle
 

Out near Mand'ville Tip.
 
Jack Frenzy's trip began midday
 
With sun and spirits high
 
But soon dark thoughts and fears took hold!
 
And reason went awry.
 
Into the Delta waves he dove
 
The wind and currents fierce
 
Fears grew as rescuers' offers
 
Of help fell on deaf ears.
 
Neither smiles nor threats nor pleas
 
Nor sirens' breasts aflare
 
Could lure Jack Frenzy to a boat
 
'till Jungle Jim got there.
 
Back to the north isle Frenzy went
 
With friends, laid safely sound
 
But a mayday already had been called!
 
And the Coast Guard soon came 'round.
 
The kindly Guard gave options three:
 
Stay here, or rejoin your ship;
 
Or if you like, you can come with us
 
in cuffs for a one-way trip.
 
His frenzied brain was laced with fear
 
He eyed the distant shore
 
With a glance behind, and a sudden leap
 
He chose option four.
 
He chose option four.
 
Back in the dark'ning waves he leapt!
 
Stunned faces in his wake
 
Mightily he swam, not seeing
 
A police boat on his flank.
 
Boldly he climbed up those rocks
 
Cheeks shining in twilight
 
He reached the road, he ran, but no!
 
'Twas not a long-lived flight.
 
Those cops tackled him to the ground
 
And hauled him off to jail
 
But safety was their real concern
 
They set him free, no bail.
 
Jack Frenzy's tale had a lucky end
 
Neither death nor felony
 
But bad trips at Ephemerisle
 
Won't always come for free.
 
Won't always come for free.
 
</pre>
 
 
 
=== Matt Bell Quote ===
 
“Oh Ephemerisle -- I went for a vacation and ended up doing an intense 5-day group workshop in leadership skills, team-building, community design, crisis management, technical problem-solving with limited materials, seamanship, and mediation.
 
Thanks to all the awesome individuals who made the event happen!”
 
 
 
=== Debrief ===
 
 
 
[[What_worked_and_did_not_in_2012]]
 
  
 
== 2013 ==  
 
== 2013 ==  
 +
[[File: 2013_b.jpg |thumb|150px|left|Shitshow]]
  
The idea of "islands" were taken to a new level.  From 2009-2012, decisions were made by general consensus or by ad hoc leaders.  From 2013 onward, Islands gained their independence.  Every self-proclaimed island was responsible for it's own rules, self-reliance, system of government, etc. 
+
Islands gain independence.   
 
 
The first independent islands were Dromhaven, Ithaka, Titan, and Shitshow/Blanket Fort
 
 
 
July 10-14th
 
 
 
=== Photos / Videos ===
 
 
 
* Blanket Fort - [http://www.flickr.com/photos/fakedomainname/9338966596/lightbox/ Pics]
 
 
 
*Traci Parker - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.210446549109876&type=1
 
*Lorien Pratt - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.185679574932303&type=1
 
*Diana Bond - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.173272292853530&type=1
 
*Josh Morriss - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.339642142834021&type=1
 
*Monica Canilao - http://www.flickr.com/photos/wewillallbewell/sets/72157634865533222/
 
*Darryl Hunt - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10201622611866893.1073741827.1226529146&type=1&l=2c6879fdfe
 
*June Porzellan
 
**https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=662302210466004&set=a.196643133698583.56294.100000586925574&type=1
 
**https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=662324133797145&set=a.196643133698583.56294.100000586925574&type=1
 
*Daniel Smith
 
**https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151732834162559.1073741825.743517558&type=1&l=c7a1f3025a
 
**http://youtu.be/aKl1_HapZDE
 
**http://youtu.be/HcYHVwNqF_E
 
**http://youtu.be/Xgm7XG-aozA
 
**http://youtu.be/l8F2e8GEv9w
 
**http://youtu.be/HJMlI8OyLJw
 
*Tanya Jones - https://picasaweb.google.com/memgineer/Ephemerisle2013
 
*Matt Bell - http://www.flickr.com/photos/9055206@N06/sets/72157634661814786/
 
*Vladimir Sidatch
 
**https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.922024339877.1073741837.120605640&type=1&l=d28d90f3e3
 
**https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.921632719687.1073741836.120605640&type=1&l=58c0067b8f
 
*Dania Morris
 
**http://www.flickr.com/photos/fakedomainname/9296025072/in/photostream/
 
**http://shit-happens.tumblr.com/
 
**https://www.facebook.com/dania.morris/media_set?set=a.10151545502567919.1073741830.638887918&type=1
 
**http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=ephemerisle&w=fakedomainname&adv=1&mt=all&ct=6&m=tags
 
*Edan - https://www.facebook.com/groups/notephemerisle/permalink/476876322405972
 
*Machiavelli Davis
 
**http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFfV-kcFkXE
 
**https://www.facebook.com/machiavelli.davis/media_set?set=a.184651928368381.1073741827.100004707244870&type=1
 
*David Pablo Cohn
 
**https://plus.google.com/photos/109923111311395991183/albums/5900685435626248961?authkey=CKrxiML6yqW90QE
 
**http://davidpablocohn.com/2013/07/11/on-a-boat/
 
*Naureen Nayyar - https://www.facebook.com/groups/notephemerisle/permalink/476240909136180/
 
*Anselm Hook
 
**https://www.facebook.com/groups/notephemerisle/permalink/475471792546425
 
*Candice Achenbach
 
**https://www.facebook.com/groups/notephemerisle/permalink/474618659298405/
 
 
 
=== Dromhaven Island ===
 
 
 
Add your history here...
 
 
 
=== Ithaka Island ===
 
 
 
Waterslide. Tea House. Cooperative spirit. Social but mellow evenings.
 
 
 
Add your history here...
 
 
 
=== Titan Island ===
 
 
 
8 houseboats, a few sailboats. Space Pirates. People seriously committed to social responsibility, fun, and technology. And Bacon.
 
  
Add your history here...
+
The first independent islands were Dromhaven, Ithaka, Titan, and Shitshow/Blanket Fort.
  
=== Shitshow / Blanket Fort ===
+
[[Ephemerisle 2013|(details)]]{{clr}}
 
 
Official Trailer Here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JmKMgi_A_g
 
 
 
Add your history here...
 
  
 
== 2014 ==  
 
== 2014 ==  
 +
[[File: 2014 brian 3.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2014]]
  
The biggest year of Ephemerisle so far.  Titan island was huge and largely the central focus of the year.  No real problems, and everyone left excited for 2015.   
+
The biggest year of Ephemerisle so far.   
  
July 14 - 20.
+
Titan island was the "big island".
  
There were two islands, with speedboat and jet ski service gracefully provided by several kind folks, especially Randolph Hencken of The Seasteading Institute.
+
First cooking competition: Titan Chef.  
  
=== Photos / Video ===
+
[[Ephemerisle 2014|(details)]] {{clr}}
  
* [https://www.facebook.com/juddweiss/media_set?set=a.10152695375805763.1073741948.544700762&type=3 Amazing album by Judd Weiss]
+
== 2015 ==
 +
[[File: 2015 above.jpg |thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2015]]
  
* Matt Bell
+
All houseboats were rented within hours of date being announced.
** [https://www.flickr.com/photos/9055206@N06/sets/72157645342241651/ Cubeship Construction]
 
** [https://www.flickr.com/photos/9055206@N06/sets/72157644081046693/with/14714957575/ Photos]
 
  
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xekxHbnVAUg&feature=youtu.be Avi's video of Aerial Performance]
+
Titan grows into the Elysium Archipelago. Bump bed made a bunch of noise.
  
* [https://www.facebook.com/BrianSchrier/posts/10152159122802455 Brian Schrier's photos]
+
Oceanus brings out a big ship.  
  
* [https://www.facebook.com/austin.staunch/posts/936989092993514 Austin Staunch's photos]
+
[[Ephemerisle 2015|(details)]]{{clr}}
  
=== Participant records ===
+
== 2016 ==
 +
[[File: 2016a.jpg |thumb|150px|left|"Ephemerisle 2016"]]
  
* [http://oaklandfuturist.com/ephemerisle-2014/ Scott Jackish] - from a risk-averse, non-party-animal perspective ([http://web.archive.org/web/20150809085908/http://oaklandfuturist.com/ephemerisle-2014 mirror])
+
First year with a real pre-build (since perhaps 2009).  
  
=== Events ===
+
A record number of islands.
  
==== Memocracy ====
+
[[Ephemerisle 2016|(details)]]{{clr}}
  
Turned into a huge conference with almost everyone attending and microtalks all day.
+
== 2017 ==
 +
[[File: Art boats.jpg |thumb|150px|left|"Venom" and "Artemiid"]]
  
==== Titan Chef ====
+
In early 2017, heavy storms damaged the Paradise Point marina.  As a result, the marina only rented out  5 houseboats (instead of the 20+ that they normally rented out).
  
Mystery Ingredient -- Pluots.
+
First time in history when houseboats were not one of the major element of the event.  
  
4 chefs and their sous chefs competed in an epic battle.  Jonathan Cain took the top prize.
+
[[Ephemerisle 2017|(details)]]{{clr}}
  
=== Cuba Island ===  
+
== 2018 ==
 +
[[File: Submarine 2018.jpg |thumb|150px|left|"Fangtooth" Submarine]]
  
Add your history here...
+
First year that there were no rented houseboats.
  
=== Eyeland Island ===
+
First year with a submarine. 
  
Add your quiet history here...
+
Tenth consecutive year with no major injuries or deaths.  
  
=== Titan Island ===
+
[[Ephemerisle 2018|(details)]]{{clr}}
  
Add your party history here...
+
== 2019 ==
 +
[[File: Ephemerisle 2019.jpg |thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2019]]
  
== 2015 ==
+
More / better platforms. 
  
http://ephemerisle.org/index.php/Ephemerisle_2015
+
More distance between islands (seemed more incidental than intentional).
  
== 2016 ==
+
More big sound systems
  
 +
[[Ephemerisle 2019|(details)]]{{clr}}
  
 +
== 2020 ==
  
== 2017 ==
+
[[File: 2020 dj.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2020]]
  
In early 2017, heavy storms damaged the Paradise Point marina.  As a result, the marina only rented out  5 houseboats (instead of the 20+ that they normally rented out).
+
Large parts of the community stayed away due to Covid-19.
  
== 2018 ==
+
Many Ephemerisle Island leaders and old timers wrote an Open Letter advising people to stay away this year. 
  
 +
Those who went had a great time, and there were no reported cases of spread. 
  
=== Archipelagos ===
+
[[Ephemerisle 2020|(details)]]{{clr}}
  
* Elysium
+
== 2021 ==
** Bargeworld
 
** Blues House
 
** UFO
 
** Flatland
 
** [https://www.facebook.com/groups/610328532679619/ USS Mazapeta]
 
  
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/298518043908338/ DIYsland]
+
[[File: human_launcher_teddy.png |thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2021]]
** Pontunery
 
  
=== Islands ===
+
A human launcher shows up (and is almost safe). 
  
* Washed Up Yacht Club
+
3 cases of covid on Mazapeta.
* Siren Island
 
* Delta Wagon
 
* Bump City
 
* Trash Island
 
* Home Slice
 
* Pie rats
 
* Quiet Island
 
  
=== Notable events ===
+
Vinyl island gives out countless hot dogs. 
  
* First year that there were no rented houseboats.
+
Bargey can't get unstuck from the mud.
* First year a submarine was in attendance (Fangtooth). 
 
* First appearance of the Belden Barge jungle gym
 
* Tenth consecutive year with no major injuries or deaths.
 
  
=== Photos ===
+
[[Ephemerisle 2021|(details)]] {{clr}}
  
* [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipModtUpnoOIj5Me0INCv_kgu9cOnj1GOl9KcAC4BW0MxdWHtwB2lu8SECOFPpPr9w?key=dWRiamdudWRfZTMyZ3RpTS1kRDFTb185UEZKNWtR  Stellar Grey]
+
== 2022 ==
* [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPkK1fmO0NNWJQWqTzCESiaIBUjzznk8mFApx66lRhYKdSrP_RGVsVzJwGFTXm6wA?key=Rmhnd250cWN5TEdIUFdYNU5fNGRrbFhxSFpac2hn Marc Merlin]
 
* [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipO5ori3Z_6bnWNumnim9D_PtMRitIEUMyIcC2dSVm5AcpEELBRmnJ_kHjCxYnyenA?key=THZIRzlqSFU4UjdQM3FHdEprYnBsM3FRa1gySE1R Robert Harris]
 
  
=== Links ===
+
[[File: big_air.jpg |thumb|150px|left|Ephemerisle 2022]]
  
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r7HdcvYnz_5GtrgXM3SFELap7meZ7b2aNniyo6oyaE4/edit#gid=0 Wut...Huh? Whoa! Ephemerisle 2018]
+
Electric Avenue makes it's first appearance
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/notephemerisle/permalink/1745144255579166/ Facebook announcements links]
 
  
=== Art ===
+
Human launcher is back
  
* Belden Barge Jungle Gym
+
There are some challenges with ferry & infrastructure
* Marc Merlin's [http://marc.merlins.org/perso/arduino/post_2018-05-29_EDM-Party-Shirt-powered-with-FastLED_NeoMatrix-and-Adafruit_GFX_-plus-160Wh-_10Ah-4S_-worth-of-lipos.html party shirt]
 
  
=== Blog Posts ===
+
Bargey breaks down a few miles away
  
* [http://marc.merlins.org/perso/public/post_2018-07-19_Ephemerisle-2018-at-DIYsland.html Marc Merlin]
+
[[Ephemerisle 2022|(details)]] {{clr}}

Latest revision as of 00:59, 19 July 2023

History: 2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2019 - 2020 - 2021 - 2022 - Overview


Ithaca Island - 2015

Seasteading is the movement to create autonomous communities (new cities or countries) on the sea. The Seasteading Institute (TSI) is a nonprofit that advances the movement. In 2009, TSI created Ephemerisle as a laboratory of seasteading. Patri's original website and info about Ephemerisle is still online.

After the first year, TSI stepped aside due to prohibitively expensive insurance costs. A group of seasteaders and friends decided to continue the event on an informal basis, calling it "Not-ephemerisle." In 2011, TSI graciously handed the name over to the community and we became "Ephemerisle" again.

From 2010 through 2012, there were an informal leader over the event each year who drew up the city plan and nominally had some decision-making power. In 2012, the community unanimously decided to decentralize from a single leadership team into a independent autonomous islands. That has been the nature of the event ever since.

Houseboats were a key element of Ephemerisle's early history. In 2015, every houseboat available for rent in the Delta was rented within hours of the date being announced. In 2018, Paradise Point who provided the rented houseboats closed that part of their business, and that was the first year without any rented houseboats.

2009

Ephemerisle 2009

The event was sponsored & run by The Seasteading Institute (TSI). The only year in Ephemerisle's history with tickets.

9 Houseboats and a community platform anchored to shore.

(details)

2010

Ephemerisle 2010

TSI officially abandoned the event about a month before it was to begin due to prohibitively high insurance costs. Instead, leaderless, decentralized "NotEphemerisle" was born.

About 120 people showed up, with 8(?) houseboats, and a platform.

(details)

2011

Ephemerisle 2011

TSI handed the name over to the community and the event became "Ephemerisle" again. Every houseboat available was rented and we built a U-shaped city.

Approximately 200 people and a 20'x24' platform.

(details)

2012

Ephemerisle 2012

The first year of islands!

A 40+ knot windstorm wreaked havoc and inspired the sundering.

Jack Frenzy ran from the cops and went for a swim.

21 houseboats. 9 other boats. About 300 people.

(details)

2013

Shitshow

Islands gain independence.

The first independent islands were Dromhaven, Ithaka, Titan, and Shitshow/Blanket Fort.

(details)

2014

Ephemerisle 2014

The biggest year of Ephemerisle so far.

Titan island was the "big island".

First cooking competition: Titan Chef.

(details)

2015

Ephemerisle 2015

All houseboats were rented within hours of date being announced.

Titan grows into the Elysium Archipelago. Bump bed made a bunch of noise.

Oceanus brings out a big ship.

(details)

2016

"Ephemerisle 2016"

First year with a real pre-build (since perhaps 2009).

A record number of islands.

(details)

2017

"Venom" and "Artemiid"

In early 2017, heavy storms damaged the Paradise Point marina. As a result, the marina only rented out 5 houseboats (instead of the 20+ that they normally rented out).

First time in history when houseboats were not one of the major element of the event.

(details)

2018

"Fangtooth" Submarine

First year that there were no rented houseboats.

First year with a submarine.

Tenth consecutive year with no major injuries or deaths.

(details)

2019

Ephemerisle 2019

More / better platforms.

More distance between islands (seemed more incidental than intentional).

More big sound systems

(details)

2020

Ephemerisle 2020

Large parts of the community stayed away due to Covid-19.

Many Ephemerisle Island leaders and old timers wrote an Open Letter advising people to stay away this year.

Those who went had a great time, and there were no reported cases of spread.

(details)

2021

Ephemerisle 2021

A human launcher shows up (and is almost safe).

3 cases of covid on Mazapeta.

Vinyl island gives out countless hot dogs.

Bargey can't get unstuck from the mud.

(details)

2022

Ephemerisle 2022

Electric Avenue makes it's first appearance

Human launcher is back

There are some challenges with ferry & infrastructure

Bargey breaks down a few miles away

(details)