The MaxCo. piggybank is running low, especially after the
unfavourable judgement in the Cat-U-Like case (domain name now
for sale).
Fortunately, we have recently developed a web-scheme which, we
believe, will restore MaxCo.'s finances to their original glory, and
will pay for the refurbisment
of the orangery and for Maxwell's
medication.
Adoptacloud.org relies on video input from MaxCo.'s rooftop
webcam, located on the northern belltower and equipped with a
fisheye lens to give an unfettered view of the surrounding moorland.
Contrast-enhancing software, edge-finding routines and some basic
image recognition technology allows individual clouds within the
camera's view to be identified, outlined and numbered. Images are
taken every five seconds during daylight hours, allowing each cloud
to be tracked across the screen.
To adopt a cloud, users log onto the website, where they are
presented with the current (and updated) image from the webcam.
Clicking on "analysis" will superimpose, on the image, the outlines
which the software has placed around each cloud.
Some of the clouds onscreen have a unique Cloud Reference Number,
or CRN, which appears on the image overlay. Other clouds,
however, carry superimposed names, short personal messages, or
corporate logos. These clouds have already been adopted.
To adopt a cloud of your own, simply click on any unadopted cloud.
A short and cheap PayPal transaction then allows you to adopt that
cloud for its lifetime. Having adopted the cloud, you may upload a
message, a URL, a logo or a jpeg; whatever you upload will appear
superimposed on the cloud on the computer overlay.
Choose your cloud wisely!! The wisp which has just broken away
from that Coca Cola cloud (and which is now up for grabs) may be
about to develop into a far larger cloud - perhaps Pepsi would like to
buy it? Or perhaps it is destined to dissipate, along with your
sponsorship investment.
If your cloud merges with a larger one, the software will attempt to
track the boundary between them for as long as possible, until no
visible division remains. In this case, the new amalgamated cloud
takes on the identity of whichever cloud was larger at the point of
merger. Tough luck, loooooser! If your cloud splits into two, the
larger part keeps your identity, and the smaller one is up for
adoption.
If your cloud drifts off the edge of the screen (as it is bound to do,
eventually), that is the end of your sponsorship period.
Want to start a cloud-race with your friends? Everyone pick a cloud,
pay the adoption fee, and then wait to see whose is the last survivor
after mergers. Want to send a message to your beloved? Buy them
that pinkish cloud that looks a bit like a rose - then make sure they
check the site fast, before it disappears.
High-resolution jpegs of your adopted cloud are available at any
time, free of charge.
Naturally, the MaxCo. board were somewhat skeptical of this new-
fangled scheme; some even considered it cynical and
moneygrubbing. It was also pointed out that only a complete fool
would pay 25 cents to sponsor something as ephemeral as a cloud.
However, when research revealed that there are over 17 million
complete fools on Earth (and increasing every minute), our way
forward was clear.
Indeed, MaxCo is now negotiating for the placement of fisheye
webcams at several scenic locations around the globe. Watch out for
AdoptacloudonEverest.org, and many many more....
Adoptacloud today! Buy now while stocks last!