For what it's worth, there's nothing in coworking core values that devalues healthy capitalism. In fact, healthy capitalism is important for sustainability of a space - without it, the community's clubhouse risks its own longevity. With it, of course, there remains a need for balance. If capitalism is creating thin value and actually creating more societal debt, you've got bigger problems than being criticized :)
I think that everyone on this list would benefit from reading The New Capitalist Manifesto: http://www.amazon.com/New-Capitalist-Manifesto-Building-Disruptively/dp/1422158586 It's a fantastic exploration of how "old capitalism" allowed for massive growth while also incurring massive societal debt has led to many industries' collapse (or impending collapse), while a new generation of capitalists (like the ones on this list, for instance) are generating value in more ways than for the next quarter's bottom line. There's some very interesting symbiotic relationships that can be explored between the cafe and a coworking space - I know that Workantile Exchange in Michigan, for instance, benefitted greatly from basically having to pass through a great local cafe to access their space. If Mike's on the list, I'd love for him to chime in. -Alex /ah indyhall.org coworking in philadelphia On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 2:56 PM, S.N. Nelson <[email protected]> wrote: > Thanks Dave for the great feedback! I wasn't as much apologizing for the > capitalism as I was acknowledging that I knew there would be criticism. > > Looking forward to keeping the group updated! As we continue the buildout > we will be blogging and keeping everyone informed. > > > On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 6:11 PM, Dave Bunnell <[email protected]> wrote: > >> Hello, >> >> I'll let others indulge in web-critique, which I also do. But, I just >> wanted to send some best wishes. Personally, I can SEE the years worth of >> work you've put into this . . . and it does manifest in your site. The other >> stuff will change several times before your done. So, hey, just roll with >> it. For example: I still like the question, "...when is a Website actually >> done?" The answer: "It isn't; ever." And no different than that front-window >> in your favorite dept. store on 3rd and Main, if you're not seeing constant >> change---something's wrong. >> >> And why apologize for capitalism. I think as Americans, we have to stop >> apologizing for it. It's what got us this far. The entrepreneurial spirit >> does not negate sense-of-community. I think your model will prove they both >> thrive together exceedingly well. >> >> What an exciting time we live in, when one google-group member, in the >> midst of turmoil at the dawn of Egypt's very first democracy, poses >> questions on: "How to start up a new coworking space in Cairo?" And . . . >> intuitive entrepreneurs, like yourself, see fit to open a hybrid café and >> workspace spread over two full floors in Houston, Texas---at the very same >> time. >> >> Now I ask you---how cool is that? Like I said. Exciting times. >> >> Best! >> >> Dave B. >> [email protected] >> >> >> >> On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 10:44 AM, SN <[email protected]> wrote: >> >>> Hi All, >>> >>> We've been diligently working on DigiCafe for over a year now, and I >>> think it's now time to reveal it to the group for critique and advice. >>> >>> DigiCafe is a bit different..and I suspect might draw some criticism >>> for it's more commercial approach to Coworking, but be assured - deep >>> down, our commercial drive of this is intended to make sure it's last >>> longing. We could never do this without groups like CS (good luck to >>> SF on replacing such a resource) >>> >>> Anyhow, back to the point: DigiCafe, it's a coworking cafe. An 8000 >>> square foot building with a cafe on the first floor, leading to the >>> dedicated coworking space no the second floor - the unique downtown >>> Houston building also features a rooftop patio. >>> >>> The team behind DigiCafe is built of both members with restaurant/cafe >>> experience, as well as a a few who have telecommuted extensively for >>> the past 12+ years, and coworked over the last couple.. >>> >>> We're slated to open this summer. Would love to hear some feedback on >>> the new site - www.digicafe.com >>> >>> SN >>> DigiCafe Team >>> @digiCafeHOU >>> 713.234.0787 >>> >>> -- >>> 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. >>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : >> >> Dave Bunnell >> Dream Team Consortium >> p 603.321.6568 >> e1 [email protected] >> e2 [email protected] >> >> >> -- >> 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. >> > > > > -- > SN > DigiCafe Team > @digiCafeHOU > 713.234.0787 > > -- > 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. > -- 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.
