H. Kurth Bemis wrote:
On Mon, 2009-03-30 at 16:20 -0400, Kevin Thorley wrote:
I just read this Wired article on "Hacker Spaces".
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/03/hackerspaces.html
Sounds pretty cool. I had talked to Josh about a similar idea for
teleworkers in the Burlington area, but this goes beyond the work
world and seems to be more about fun. Either way, it sounds like a
cool idea. Get some office space (Burlington seems like it would have
the largest draw, but I'm biased), hook up a good internet connection,
get some wifi, a few servers (Linux, of course) for running projects
on.... could be fun! The question is, would there be enough interest
from people to make it work? I assume it would have to work on a
membership basis, unless we were able to get a sponsor or two.
Here is more information on Hacker Spaces. There are a few in Boston
and one in Montreal, but none in wonderful VT :(
http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Hacker_Spaces
This could also become a good place to hold local user group meetings.
So, is anyone interested in pursuing the idea with me? At least to
get to the point to see if it would be feasible?
Kevin
Not be the downer of the party, but there's a lot more to it then just
getting some office space and a net connection. At Foulab we're
constantly trying to recruit new members, which in a city the size of
Montreal is still proving fairly difficult. There's a lot of folks that
would "love to have a space" but are not/not able to pay for the space.
I've got to agree with Kurth here. A hackerspace sounds like it's
more workshop oriented. A place to leave your soldering irons, arc
welders and lathes setup, not a hangout to bang away on our laptops.
The community woodshop in Colechester mentioned earlier is along these
lines.
Aside from the social aspects, there is really no need to get
together physically in the same room as someone else to code
software. Telecommuting tools have improved enough to overcome
most of those problems. Our communities are all available out
there on the 'Net regardless of where we are physically. Still,
it is awfully nice to get together to chat with folks that don't
flinch when SSL, etc. is mentioned.
What are y'all hoping to accomplish with the Vt hackerspace? If you're
looking to hangout with laptops, beer and munchies, then I think the
best bet is along the lines of the pub & caving club at Aberystwyth
University. Any of the business oriented hotels would probably be
happy to set aside a corner of their restaurant or meeting space for
a bunch of geeks with laptops, assuming the nightly bar tab is
sufficient. Perhaps the Sheraton in Burlington? A business hotel
is sure to have wi-fi already setup.
Unfortunately, with three kids, a full-time job and consulting on
the side, it's not something I can show up at very often.
Rene
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