Shameless plug: Ponoko

I normally wouldn't do a "shameless plug" post, but for two reasons. First, I think these guys have a really neat business. Second, it's 5 AM and I can't think of anything else to write about. >_>

So, what's Ponoko? Here's how it works in a nutshell: You draw up a blueprint, pick a material on their website, and they'll cut your design from the material and send you the pieces. And, that's basically it. They have some nice services on their website where you can sell your designs to people, and other stuff, but cutting things is the core of their business.

The thing that I think is neat about them is that they've set themselves up with a relatively simple business, and yet simultaneously allowed for a lot of creativity. Look around at some of the designs on their site - there's some really neat stuff in there. The small-scale nature of the whole thing also allows you to get stuff made that'd normally be way too specific to actually get manufactured in bulk.

If you're wondering why I have Ponoko on my mind, this might look familiar to you. Earlier tonight, I ordered version 2.0 of those glasses; this batch will actually be able to stick to my face, I hope. If you want a pair, I'm probably going to have a few extras - first come, first serve. (If you don't recognize them instantly, don't worry about it, you probably won't want one anyway.)