We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on November 16, 2011.

Photo-main

A story about computer science and other improbable things. We're raising money for translation of the book into Spanish.

Lauren Ipsum is lost in Userland. She knows where she is, or where she's going, but maybe not at the same time. The only way out is through Jargon-infested swamps, gates guarded by perfect logic, and the perils of breakfast time at the Philosopher's Diner. With only her wits and the help of a chameleon named Xor, Laurie has to map her own way home.

Click here to read the first chapter.

Like us on Facebook!

Lauren Ipsum is a children's story about computer science. In 20 chapters and ~35K words, she encounters dozens of ideas from timing attacks to algorithm design, the subtle power of names, and how to get a fair flip out of even the most unfair coin.

The book is mostly written, and Ytaelena is working on the illustrations and layout. We've been working on this project over nights & weekends for about a year and a half. In return for a signed pre-sale copy of the book, your pledges will go towards translating the book into Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages.


The Characters

  • Lauren Ipsum, a little girl who is lost in Userland.
  • Xor, a colorblind Chameleon.
  • Winsome Losesome, who may or may not be a pirate.
  • Colonel Trapp, who may or may not be a villain.
  • N. Veterate Tinker, purveyor of fine Algorithms.
  • Eponymous Bach, who composes Ideas then puts her name on them.
  • Fresnel Goodglass, who makes Ideas smaller.
  • Achilles the Logician & Tortoise, a humble tortoise.
  • ...plus the Jargon, the Round Robins, the Byzantine Generals, the Elegants...

    • The first draft!

    FAQ

    Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

    Ask a question
    334
    Backers
    $10,631
    pledged of $500 goal
    0
    seconds to go

    Funding period
    Sep 17, 2011 - Nov 16, 2011 (60 days)

    Carlos-yta.medium

    See full bio

    • Pledge $10 or more

      135 backers

      Get early access to the ebook for Kindle, iBooks, PDF, and other formats. All backers will get access to the first five chapters immediately, and the entire book approximately 3 weeks before it goes on sale. You will also be listed as a sponsor on the website.

      Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
    • Pledge $30 or more

      120 backers

      A paperback copy of the book, signed by Carlos & Ytaelena. It will arrive before the book goes on general sale, DELIVERED IN PERSON by a professional mail carrier. (Backers outside the US, please add $5 for shipping.) You will also be able to download the ebook.

      Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
    • Pledge $60 or more

      65 backers

      Get the ebook plus a hardback, limited edition copy of the book with even awesomer printing and illustrations, signed by the Carlos & Yta, delivered to the address of your choice by our elite team of mail delivery commandos. (Backers outside the US, please add $5 to cover the cost of roadmaps.)

      Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
    • Pledge $120 or more

      10 backers

      A hardback limited edition, signed by the Carlos & Yta, and the ebook. You'll also get a signed 8x10 print of an illustration of your choice. Both will wing to your door upon the wings of book rate postage. (Backers outside the US, please add $5 for having unsubsidized mail services.)

      Estimated delivery: Dec 2011