Low tech communications

[macgeoghagen]

Even with all the high tech internet wizard stuff available, its probably a good idea to be able to communicate via low tech and discrete means.

tap code http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tap_Code
This one is good for when you can't see somebody or talk out loud to them. This can also be adapted for use with signal mirrors.

hobo codes http://www.slackaction.com/signroll.htm
this can be used to leave messages for others who may follow you.

Either one of these would probably be best used if you modify it so that the symbols will only be known to the people you want to communicate with. Also of interest is sign language, but instead of ASL, it would be wiser to use an internally generated set of signs.

anyone else got any ideas for low tech communications methods that can be kept private?

[wy0mn]

Thats sorta cool.
In one Louis L'Amour book he mentioned the Gypsies using codes like the hobo codes, but then again... they were the original hobos! He supposedly researched everything in his books for historical value, although I've never stumbled across any references.
Like most kids in school, my friends & I invented our own alphabet. Drove the teacher nuts! Now a good cryptogram puzzler could'a foxed it out quickly.
My personal alphabet, for private notes, is a thing of beauty & lacks any of the tracking nodes a cryptologist could use.

[macgeoghagen]

so far, there are good examples of visual and sound oriented means of communications, but what of using a form of braille or other tactile means? it could be a set of rough/smooth patches on the bottom of some object so that a person could discreetly run a finger along the underside of a table edge to "read" it.

bees communicate through phermones, using chemicals to relay info. it may be possible to communicate in a limited form by spraying one scent or another in an area. It may be possible to manupulate different phermones to communicate a more complex idea. but that isn't low tech.