On Wed, 2009-05-06 at 13:03 -0400, Rion D'Luz wrote: > On Wednesday 06 May 2009, Josh Sled wrote: > > Kevin Thorley <[email protected]> writes: > > > I tend to think that the answer to number > > > two depends on the answer to number one. > > > > Right. My take was that there's not enough (collaborative) hacking to > > justify growing into a dedicated space, or that isn't served by people's > > existing spaces. I hope something like the Arduino night – if sustained > > – can help change that. > > > > Simple clinical observation would bear your sentiments out, josh and kevin; > but is it true? > > Or has the concept just not been developed sufficiently? Would hackers from > outside of > chit. co be interested in attending/supporting burl. events? > > Or, does our situation reflect not so much interest as much as developing a > decent battle-plan? > Less about $ and more about commitment levels. > > CC/IS has its limitations. The space is not THAT large, the pipe is kind of > narrow (BT). Even > the principals of that .org had debated moving to a larger space. But it is > a place and > pretty much shovel-ready. > > So, to me, the ? is "is there the will provided that there is a way"? > > Rion > > >
(sigh) I've watched this thread since it was started, and at times, offered my direct, first hand experience with another space (Foulab). Have you contacted any other hacker/diy groups in Vermont? There was a 2600 meeting last Friday, did anyone goto that meeting and talk up the idea of starting a space? I believe there's also a locksport club in Vermont (I can't find them ATM) and a DefCon group as well. I would open a dialogue with those groups before thinking about the space needed. As far as I can tell, there's no community here. Maybe I'm wrong. But without a community you're going to have a space that is dead and stagnant. No offense to VAUGEers, but most spaces consist of hackers under 30 or so. Iget the impression that this list consists of a large group of people that are over 30 and have families. I don't think you're going to be able to generate enough interest from this group to get the space off the ground. You're going to have to connect with the established groups and see what they're up to and if they're interested. Even if they are communists. Even if they have piercings. And more importantly, even if you don't agree with their motives or opinions. Again - without a core set of guideline about what the space does, what it stands for, etc. you are not going to generate enough interest to get people to shell out $$$ every month. I know you have an idea of an open, community workshop or something similar to that, but just like marketing, you're going to have to properly identify your audience and then appeal and connect with them. Only after that will the opportunity to start a space present itself. If *I* were trying to get a space started, I would begin by getting the word out that you were interested in meeting other hackers/diyers/makers. Begin *WEEKLY* meetups (this is community building) with members. Pick one time, stick to that one time. If you watched the Hackerspaces video I've mentioned several times previously, you will know that the best time is Tuesday nights. :] After a few months, you'll have a good idea of real interest by the members that keep coming back, time and time again. Then begin a discussion about obtaining a space that works for the group. When did "Build it and they will come" ever work for anyone other the then United States prison system? Build the community, the hackerspace will follow and will be practically effortless, as the momentum of the community will carry you along. Many hands make light work. It's unfortunate that I'm in the southern part of the state and hardly ever make it to Burlington (other then to pass through to Montreal), because I'm sure some of you would like to hold me down while the others hit me with a sticks. If I were in the area, I would be taking a much more active role with organizing and community building and such.....and I would wear padding. :P That said, I'm am more then willing to lend a hand in any way I can. ~k
