Alex, awesome breakdown, as always. I'd add that there is a really interesting article posted here - http://www.strangelyentangled.com/2009/08/19/vancouver-workspace-co-working-facility-closing-not-surprised/.
Most interesting to me was this little bit from the author: "What does surprise me about Workspace’s closure is how it caught the rest of the Vancouver tech community off-guard (at least, those posting to Twitter about it). Did they not see this coming? I love the tech community in this city, but I have to say that it reminds me of the good ol’ pre-dot-com-crash days in Ottawa. Lots of parties & networking events, but not much in the way of substance." Having never been to WorkSpace I can't speak to the validity of this statement as it applies to the Vancouver coworking spot in particular, but it has been a really interesting point for me to stew over all day. How can we be sure that, as a coworking space in Seattle, we are providing more than just networking oppotunities and parties (which we do, of course, provide) and can ensure substance for our members? So many spaces are leading the way with events that contribute to the health of members (we call 'em "quality of life" events at ON, though we haven't held a ton of them just yet), but will this be enough to provide the substance that independents need in order to grow, thrive, and in turn support the coworking spaces that house them? How can we be sure that we are contributing enough and in a sustainable enough way to ensure our survival? I think each space comes about this question in their own way, but the closure of WorkSpace sure is spurring my mind even more about what more Office Nomads can do each day to support and grow our membership so it can support itself as well as Office Nomads staff. I am reminding myself to continue engaging with the amazing community partners we have here in Seattle and spreading the word about changing the way work gets done in our city. As always, my thoughts return to the simple saying I have posted to my desk: "People support what they help to create." Alex I think this just high-fives what you were saying about member involvement (even when you're involving them in your challenges). That is, if you can high-five with sentences. I'm hoping we can. ;) Great discussion, great debates, and great sadness felt at the closure of another coworking space. WorkSpace crew, our thoughts are with you. Best, Susan __ Office Nomads http://www.officenomads.com On Aug 20, 5:21 pm, Chad <[email protected]> wrote: > here's > onehttp://www.techvibes.com/blog/vancouvers-workspace-to-close-doors-thi... > > On 20-Aug-09, at 7:56 PM, Patrick Tanguay wrote: > > > > > Argh. That sucks, loved the Workspace :( > > > Where did you find info? Can't see a link to the blog anywhere. Or am > > I blind? > > > Patrick > >http://station-c.com --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
