If Popular Mechanics is too practical and middle-of-the road for you, try Make Magazine. Make (www.makezine.com) advertises itself as "the first magazine devoted entirely to DIY technology projects." Yes, there are articles about smart HVAC, how to make a mold like the pros, and triggering sound from video images. But there are also gems like the toilet paper-shooting Stemerator and Roachball.
Inventor's Digest (www.InventorsDigest.com) is the only magazine geared solely to providing informative articles covering all aspects of inventing. In each issue, you'll find stories and tips from successful inventors, as well as articles covering everything from applying for patents to marketing your invention.
 The International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA) is a nonprofit organization created in 1968 by seven European inventor associations. The membership now counts citizens from over 90 nations. The group's website, www.invention-ifia.ch/, offers insights into international patenting law, process, and resources.
The Lemelson-MIT Program's site offers a free inventor's handbook, a chance to apply or nominate for inventor awards, helpful resources, and even some games. You can access the prestigious program's site at http://web.mit.edu/invent/.
Check out Catapult's engaging website devoted to inventing, www.abc.net.au/catapult. Yes, it's from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and does feature some Aussie-interest-only features. But there's a lot that can be enjoyed by inventors anywhere. Features include snapshots of recent innovations in 12 industries, including leisure, retail, science, and health. You'll also find a Basics section that covers inventing fundamentals and an Ask the Expert option that supplies inventors with answers about prototyping, insurance, marketing, and more. A fun interactive segment even invites you to take a quiz to "find your inner inventor."
 The Triton Foundation, a Queensland nonprofit dedicated to helping Australians create commercially viable new products, has created a web site (www.tritonfoundation.org.au) with rich info for inventors. While there's some information that doesn't "translate," the universal outweighs the local. Besides walking readers through the inventing process step by step, the site also spotlights interesting new inventions.
 The National Inventor Fraud Center (www.inventorfraud.com) is actually the product of a North Dakota law office, not a federal or state agency. However, it's worth checking out for some basic information regarding inventing, as well as a variety of helpful links. Be warned that it appears that the site has not been updated in a while, so some leads might be dead ends.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame, www.invent.org, provides workshops, kids' clubs, and more to assist independent inventors. They also offer informative articles about patenting, including guidance through the process and FAQs. In addition, you can get an introduction to the organization's museum, and even search information about inventors through the online database. |
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