On Tue, 2009-04-14 at 11:12 -0400, Stanley Brinkerhoff wrote: > > Getting ad-hoc space is relatively easy. Creating a space in > which > people can *create things* requires some collection of parts, > equipment, > kit and tools. The permanence of this collection is a > necessary > condition of the space, I think. > > What do used school buses go for these days? :) > > Stan > >
I haven't been involved in any behind the scenes (off list) or attended any meetings, but to me (from what I read here), it seems like the cart might have been placed before the horse here. To start a space you're going to need members that are active in the hacker community. Members that already have been hacking Arduino for a few years, members that have been working with electronics and chemistry, members that have "mAd 5k1Llz" in several different areas. If you're missing that diversity, then I think the space will not sustain itself very long. So before you get worked up about a space and moving and what not, spend several months attending regular, weekly meetings. Give it a few months, spread the word that you're trying to raise interest to start a space. After that time, you should have a pretty good idea of who is serious about the space and who isn't. To find who is serious about the becoming a member and who isn't, simply charge dues. No matter if there isn't a space at the present time, collect dues and keep records. If the whole thing becomes a wash, then return the dues. It's important to stop thinking of the space as a venture that outsiders will come to, because honestly, you will not want outsiders poking around your workshop or lab. At Foulab, we welcome visitors, but we make sure they are supervised while in the lab. I don't know about the projects and tools that are planned for the space, but in our lab we have several large power tools that will take your hand off without a hickup. Someone that does not know what they are doing or working with can seriously injure themselves. Also, I'll say it again - some members projects may borderline on, or cross the "legal" line. Best to keep those things on the downlow. When it comes down to it, you are trying to build a community. The space will come after the community has gained members and momentum. I'm sorry to say, but "Build it and they will come" is a pipe dream. Reality is that spaces cost money and are much more work then I think most realize. I really recommend visiting other spaces and seeing how they started, how their managed and the like. There's much more going on behind the scenes then a bunch of hackers in a workshop (or lab) hacking away on projects. It would be nice to see a community start in Vermont, but it's important to make sure there's a communality and not a few folks who want a shared space to code in. While that's fine, and I'm sure there are spaces that are mostly for "soft" hacking (software, etc), the majority of spaces are setup and used as workshops and labs. Again, I recommend visiting other spaces, or at least jumping on IRC and talking to a few other spaces. Most of the spaces seem to have a # on freenode and are generally very supportive of others starting spaces. If possible, join another space for a while to get better feeling of how the community operates and how the space is part of that community. If anyone has the latest copy of 2600 (There's a baby on the cover) there's a listing of the North American spaces this month. If anyone is interested in visiting Foulab, I would be more then happy to assist in any way I can. Meetings are on Tuesdays and we love visitors! They're delicious! Just a few thoughts based on what I've seen cross the list...didn't mean to offend or upset anyone, apologies in advance if I have or did. :] ~k
