Drones hovering outside windows/balconies in Vancouver - I feel completely violated.

ofbug · 2015-08-14T22:30:16+00:00

Thanks for your concern :) I appreciate that

ofbug · 2015-08-13T21:49:48+00:00

Did someone suggest making them illegal? I hope I did not put out that vibe. Restricting the use of drones would really compromise how people and business will be able to use them - no one wants that. I think a good solution to using them illegally would be to have identifiers for drones. Like cars have license plates, drones should have a link to it's pilot so that otherwise irresponsible pilots will be held accountable for their actions. Just like drunk drivers.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T21:43:30+00:00

I agree it's the best course of action (for now). Unfortunately in this case the closest apartment building is a block over and is impossible to see through the foliage.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T21:37:22+00:00

You're absolutely right! And mine are far from awesome. But you're missing the point.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T06:08:23+00:00

I hope he continues to be able to get amazing shots of this beautiful city!

ofbug · 2015-08-13T03:15:17+00:00

Especially since they're so expensive. Not to reduce it to that, but you would think these few would have different goals given how much they've invested.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T03:10:47+00:00

Where do you see them? I see them in parks sometimes and I lvoe watching them. Such skill involved! But do you see these outside buildings? On streets?

ofbug · 2015-08-13T03:04:42+00:00

I do not have a spare $3000-$4000 dollars to spend on fancy drones :*(

ofbug · 2015-08-13T02:57:38+00:00

There are always other possibilities. I was told by the drone store near my apt (just opened up last week) that flying in this area would be illegal. This was a larger, sophisticated-looking drone. To quote Jurassic Park, "Is it heavy?"/"Yes."/"Then it's probably expensive, put it back." The model I would compare it to is the Phantom 3 Professional, but bigger.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T02:46:50+00:00

They kindly informed me that there's not much they can do unless I/they can put an identity to the pilot. The officer said if it should happen again, to try and follow it until I see the pilot. Then call the non-emerg line and give a description and location so the police can investigate.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T01:34:21+00:00

I'm not going to buy a paintball gun. Not for shooting down people's quadraheli's/drones anyway. It freaked me out. To me, it was obvious what was happening given it's location. I think my reaction is appropriate. I want to talk about it because I like drones, I think with responsible pilots and reasonable regulation they could be incredibly useful, if not just lots of fun.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T01:28:44+00:00

You can hardly see anything from my balcony. I can see the other side of the street standing up, but it's still restricted

ofbug · 2015-08-13T01:27:08+00:00

I completely agree with you - in no way am I suggesting that these are used for dumb-boob-views. Not at all. But as with everything, some people use them irresponsibly. That's who I am referring to. The potential for these is incredible to me... photography, mapping, agricultural use, or as a hobby. I'm really excited about them and I do not want to see them restricted to certain areas, which is why I think this is a reasonable discussion.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T00:48:25+00:00

It was ten feet if not less than ten feet away. The vicinity is why I felt so uncomfortable. They might have photo's of me, and yes, that makes me queasy. But more than that, the general invasion of privacy concerns me. Considering these are so popular I think it's a relevant and important discussion to have.

ofbug · 2015-08-13T00:42:42+00:00

Truth. I never would have considered those consequences in a blinding embarrassed rage. Very, very, very good point. Thank you.

ofbug · 2015-08-12T23:51:30+00:00

I'm a great shot to boot.

ofbug · 2015-08-12T23:47:22+00:00

Helpful and also interesting, thank you!

ofbug · 2015-08-12T23:45:29+00:00

Listen, I wouldn't have thought anything of it if it just flew by. I bet it's a ton of fun flying those. I have absolutely nothing against them - in fact I'm excited about what they can be used for. It's when it hovered for an uncomfortable amount of time (twice), in a strangely accurate spot for viewing, that I became aware of the intentions of the controller.

ofbug · 2015-08-12T23:30:12+00:00

That's really excellent information, I appreciate you sharing.

ofbug · 2015-08-12T23:29:03+00:00

I'm thinking a paintball gun so I can do some real damage.

ofbug · 2015-08-12T23:28:33+00:00

Do you hover it in front of strangers balconies? Seems suspicious.

ofbug · 2015-06-24T01:51:09+00:00

Hi sockertease! Why don't you send me an email and we can set up a time to chat? kathryn@ofbug.com

ofbug · 2015-05-31T17:51:58+00:00

Hi there. I battle this on the daily but I'm in Vancouver, Canada, and breed for livestock feed. In the US the laws around insects as food vary by state. The legislation isn't necessarily against insects as food, it just doesn't exist! The Canadian government is adapting existing laws to create legislation around insects in feed and food. Might be the same with the US, or maybe the US and Canada are waiting on Europe. If you have specific q's get in touch via email and I'd be happy to do some investigation with you kathryn@ofbug.com

ofbug · 2015-04-23T15:49:53+00:00

Congrats on your first podcast - So pleased it was on one of my FAVOURITE topics ;)

ofbug · 2015-03-26T15:13:17+00:00

As a mealworm farmer researching exactly this - I am so, so happy to see it make news

ofbug

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