A brief primer in case you haven't tried it: it's basically a system of virtual noticeboards. You create whatever boards take your fancy and then "pin" pictures from around the web to them. The pinned pictures take their original URL with them and others can copy or "repin" them to wherever they like. It's a little like Twitter, only with images.
It's kinda fun. Having the "pin it" button on my browser's taskbar makes it feel a little like I'm carrying a camera with me around the web ...
Of course, the uses for such a system are many and varied. My first board is a collection of my book/magazine covers gathered together in one place. It makes me happy to gaze upon it. But for the writer there must be many other possibilities. Maybe a collection of objects and scenes that inspired a particular book? Favourite writing quotes? Pictures of libraries and reading rooms? They're all on Pinterest. Film, music and book boards are here, for example. And very beautiful many of the images are. Or you could just skip all that and head on over to George Takei's wonderful SF board ...
But the usual warnings apply. This stuff can consume your time if you're not careful ...
It took me a while to appreciate Pinterest. But now my boards are becoming more helpful to me as a writer. My "Imagine" board is for the photos which inspire me. I like to make jewelry and I collect images that inspire me in that creative direction as well. Then, of course, there's my strange obsession with boots and I have plenty of boot pictures! Happy pinning!
ReplyDeleteI signed up a few months back, pinned a couple of things and then ran away.
ReplyDeleteSherri and Cate - two opposing reactions. Not sure yet which camp I'll far into ...
ReplyDeleteI tried it out and posted my covers, but yours turned out much better, sir.
ReplyDeleteI like what you've done, Milo!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Pinterest yet. I might, someday, but right now I'm juggling as much as I can manage.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on meeting your W1/S1 goals!
Michael - Thanks. I know that feeling well!
ReplyDeleteHey this looks like fun. I liked your images, Simon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deborah. I'm kind of creating "inspiration" boards for novels and stuff too. We'll see how that goes ...
ReplyDelete...and way to go on meeting your May W1S1 Goals!
ReplyDeleteNever tried Pintrist, but maybe I will now. Congrats on your W1S1 goals!
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for following me on Pinterest! Funny that we blogged about it at the same time. It's been so far, and the first couple days I went pin-crazy. But I'm ok now. :D
ReplyDeleteI love how I can organize pins into specific boards. A lot of the pins I find are very story-worthy, so definitely helps spark creativity.
Thanks, Devin!
ReplyDeletePrecy - Yep, it's a lot of fun.