Thing 6: Flickr Mashups

Like many Web 2.0 sites, Flickr encourages other people to build their own online applications that use images found on the site. Through the use of APIs (application programming interfaces), many people have created third party tools and mashups that use Flickr images. The tools help you find, organize, and use photos in various ways. You can create mosaics of photos, use photos in games, and find apps that make using Flickr easier or more efficient. Look here for mashups, web apps, and Flickr tools

For this Thing, explore some of the fun Flickr mashups and 3rd party tools that are out there. Note that many of these require the Flash plug-in.

1. Check out one or more of these and create something from Flickr photos to add to your blog:

• Clockr uses random photos to display the time.
• Flickr Color Pickr - lets you find public photos in Flickr that match a specific color.
• Big Huge Labs offers a round-up of Flickr tools.
• Spell with Flickr spells out your word or phrase with Flickr photos.

NEFLIN image created by Spell with Flickr.

• splashr lets you present your Flickr photos in different view.
• Create puzzles from your Flickr photos.

2. Upload one or more of these mashups to your blog (most will give easy-to-follow instructions somewhere on the site about how to copy the code needed and where to place it on your blog.)

Blog Prompts

• How can you use any of these tools in your library or media center?
• What do you think of sharing photos online?

These tools are fun but a warning--it is very easy to spend a lot of time playing with these tools! It could become your latest hobby!