Lightning Talk: Social Grader

by Ryan Angilly

In this lightning talk at the Rocky Mountain Ruby 2013 conference, speaker Ryan Angilly introduces a tool he created called the Social Grader. This tool is designed to sift through users' social media profiles to identify potential embarrassing content, such as inappropriate language and frequent bar check-ins. Angilly emphasizes the power of open-source software by explaining how he built this tool in approximately 10 hours using various integrations with around 12 different services, highlighting that much of the underlying code was already available through resources like Devise and Ami.

The main features of the Social Grader include:
- Content Analysis: The tool scans social media for sensitive content and alerts users to take action.
- Scoring System: Upon signing up, users receive a score based on the content reviewed.
- Premium Service Options: Users will have the option to access original posts for deeper analysis, allowing them to edit or delete potentially damaging content.

Angilly also addresses a current event that underscores the importance of community support: the devastating floods in Colorado. He encourages attendees to engage with the Social Grader tool, noting that the first $2,000 raised or the donations from the first month will go towards flood relief efforts for affected individuals. This gesture not only serves to promote the tool but also positions it as a means of contributing to a significant cause.

In conclusion, the talk reflects multiple takeaways:
- The feasibility of creating impactful tools using open-source software.
- The importance of being conscious of one's online footprint.
- An urgent call to action for community support regarding the Colorado floods.

00:00:08.599 I want to tell you about three things really quickly. First, it's about something I built last weekend.

00:00:10.000 It's a social grader, and it will come up on the screen in a minute. Basically, it's a tool that sifts through all your social media.

00:00:15.280 It looks for embarrassing content, such as swear words, check-ins in Vegas, or if you check into bars too often. It alerts you, saying 'Hey, here's some stuff you might want to take a look at.'

00:00:27.800 So, why am I talking about this at a Ruby conference? Well, I believe this is a testament to what is possible with open-source software. This tool was built in about 10 hours and integrates with around 12 different services.

00:00:36.000 Thanks to tools like Devise and Ami, it's an excellent example for newcomers to see what you can achieve when you know where to look for the right resources. There are integrations available for just about everything, and I didn't actually write much of the code myself to pull data from these services.

00:00:54.600 When you sign up, you receive a score and an overview of what we find. There will also be a premium service where users can dive deeper into the original posts, allowing them to edit or delete content as they see fit.

00:01:12.759 The main reason I'm up here is to highlight a recent event. If you walk downtown, it's easy to forget that this area was completely devastated just a few weeks ago. Many people were affected significantly.

00:01:35.119 What we're doing is encouraging you to sign up for this service. The first $2,000 raised, or the first month of donations, will go directly to Colorado flood relief. If you find this topic interesting, please give it a shot and provide feedback.

00:01:56.600 Thank you for your time, and let's help the flood victims.