[dms-discuss] Maker Faire notes from other Hackerspaces

Wed May 21 20:59:33 PDT 2014

Thanks Jim.
Wasn't acting on problems.  Just thot I'd get input on how other
organizations structure their communities, generate operating funds and
what services they end up providing.  I asked some pretty open questions
intending to get feedback about the kinds of things people get out from
hackerspaces and got some rather surprising responses, primarily about
social issues.

Do you have some general suggestions for hackerspaces based on your
experiences?  Do you know of some communities that are well run and have
happy users?
Sarah

On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 7:40 PM, Jim Vanderveen <jim.vanderveen at gmail.com>wrote:

> Hi Sarah and others,
>
> I'm involved with HackerLab in Sacramento. Just a member/volunteer, so I
> don't know all the high-level plans and problems. But I'd be happy to come
> by and chat. (I work at UCD, and I've been by your Makerspace.)
>
> Jim Vanderveen
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 21, 2014, at 12:34, sarah schrupp <svschrupp at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Got to chat up other Hackerspace folks.  Full disclosure, few data points;
> not a tinkerer, so questions were about running/organizing a community, and
> also, don't have friends in other communities like some of you might.
>
> Take home points were derived from people who strongly believe in the
> hacker community concept; many were still wildly enthusiastic, some were
> still believers but no longer, wide-eyed but a few were nearing mental
> collapse, yet still clinging to the positives of what a hacker community
> could offer.
>
> Surprisingly, financing according to several, was not the biggest issue.
>  In fact, some mentioned that eventually, the money started streaming in,
> but rather, keeping the organization healthy was the biggest hurdle.
>
> Some advice from volunteers/organizers:
>
> *Take the opportunity to build structure into a small organization before
> it gets too large, and don't be afraid to moderate policy as needs change. * No
> policies and no enforcement leads to chaos as well as creates physically
> unsafe and socially toxic environment.
> (Stories about people not being willing to engage law enforcement when
> really necessary.  Other related issues, lack of machine/tool safety tests,
> pets, squatters, drugs, theft and whether 24/7 ends up being good idea.
>  Some spaces will not permit sleeping, for instance.  Another suggested
> eventual space location could be out of city center but adjacent to bus
> stop, for example, become a destination, not a pass through.)
>
> *Partner with other non-profits.*  They gave many instances where
> reciprocation had been invaluable, sharing funds,grants, reaching public,
> getting support, trading resources et cetera.
>
> *Consider core objective of this hackerspace; *what does this community
> need?  If not much equipment to meet goals, then easier to insure and
> maintain safety.  In one instance, the "big tools" are the 3-D printers
> (upgraded from DMS ones, the $2K models) and some cnc mills.  (Could
> concentrate on fundraising just for those specific pieces of equipment.)
>
> *Collect but screen donations else DMC will become toxic waste site. * Be
> clear about what DMC wants to accept - for example, old Apple II computers
> are interesting and could be restored for a museum but are not really a
> part of the DMC vision.  Some donations, like a jackhammer and compressor,
> are too large or out of scope for hackerspace, but would be perfect for a
> partner non-profit, i.e. habitat for humanity, who later might help
> construct a wall or something.
>
> *Focus on youth and families if possible to create a healthier financial
> and social environment. * Kids and families bring money, safety,
> civility, grant financing, volunteers and resources into the community.
>  Parents will spend a lot of money helping their children learn but won't
> participate if the environment is unsafe or otherwise toxic.  Also, many
> volunteer mentors derive pleasure from working with kids and teens.
>
> *Visit other hackerspaces and see what they are doing well and what they
> wish they could change. * (I can compile a list if anyone is interested,
> but there are many.)
>
> Example of Happy, Well-run, Non-profit Hackerspace (according to other
> hackers, not me):
>
> http://www.hackerdojo.com/About (Mountain View)
>
>
> Example of small, For-Profit (opened this space due to hacks in the common
> area of their lodging house where they didn't want it):
>
> http://rockitcolabs.com/makerspace (San Francisco)
>
>
> Example of everything permitted, financially sound, largely disfunctional
> and socially toxic, non-profit (ran across the accompanying tumblr which
> seems to corroborate and enhance what I heard):
>
> https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/About (San Francisco)
>
> http://shitnoisebridgesays.tumblr.com/
>
> Btw, people had made great contacts and accomplished things at Noisebridge
> but many had fled elsewhere due to safety, theft and anarchy.  NB no longer
> seems to have a discussion page.  (Ran across a posting about the FBI
> looking into their TOR network with regards to the Mandiant report etc.)
>  Lots going on there; also, lots going on there.  Maybe you have friends
> that have used that space?
>
>
> Be interested to hear what you have learned.  Seems like charging for
> space membership filters out some behaviors.  Sponsorships could also be
> made for parties who can't afford.  Otherwise, does DMS's CNC mill just
> become a good place to make a copy of a DO NOT Duplicate UCDavis Schlage
> key?
>
>
> Anyone have friends at other hacker spaces?  Be happy to contact the folks
> I met and ask any of your questions.  Also, they seem to know the folks at
> other communities.
>
>
> Sarah
>
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