# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants evaluated alternative currency projects, highlighting the Metacurrency platform as superior because it focuses on creating infrastructure for multiple currencies rather than being just another cryptocurrency.

• Open hardware documentation efforts were criticized for being fragmented across multiple platforms (bildr, unptnt, actualhardware, ohanda), with concerns that many self-proclaimed "design engineers" lack proper technical engineering skills.

• OHANDA (Open Hardware and Design Alliance) was discussed as an initiative using trademark law instead of copyright for "copylefting hardware," though some questioned its legal effectiveness.

• Kanzure shared scientific papers on polyphenoloxidase silencing affecting latex coagulation in Taraxacum species and discussed DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) DNA synthesis technology with supporting research links.

• A detailed explanation of SKDB (Software Knowledge Database) for open-source hardware package management was shared on the GOSH mailing list, with recommendations to publish it on skdb.org to increase visibility.

• Participants discussed a developing co-op/incubator model called "gnusha" for open hardware projects, with plans to integrate with other initiatives and support repositories embedding hardware wikis within Git.

• A debate emerged about resource allocation in the DIYbio community, suggesting that the $100,000 typically spent on flying 100 people to conferences could instead fund equipment for 20 DIYbio labs.