[dorkbotpdx-blabber] PDX Hackerspace?

[pdx]

DorkbotPDX People,

First off, please reply directly to hackerspace.pdx at gmail.com if
interested. And (obviously) serious inquiries only.

I'm trying round up people interested in building a hackerspace in
Portland. A hackerspace is a shared office/warehouse/other for working
on various (primarily) technical projects. It doesn't matter what
you're interested in (amateur radio, microcontrollers, other
electronics, robotics, computers, networking, coding, etc). In my
opinion, the more diverse the group is, the better. I know that you
guys are already interested in getting together if you're on the
Dorkbot mailing list.

Reasons to get involved:
- Put things (equipment/parts) to use that might otherwise be stored
- Work collaboratively in a designated space to finish projects
- Get access to some shared equipment
- Learn some new skills/techniques from others
- Get some extra workspace
- Meet people
- Possibly pool in funds for more serious equipment
- The fame, riches, and groupies

Finance-wise, my best estimate is that around 15 people are needed and
that it may cost somewhere around $100 or less per month per person.
(One initial investigation came out to $80 for rent and utilities
between 15 people). For those very interested but shaken by taking
this leap of faith: just agree to discuss it first. You lose nothing
by coming to talk about it. If more people show up to discuss it, that
will make us all a lot more confident that we can make it happen. If
we're below what we consider to be an affordable level, with a
stronger base, we'll have an easier time convincing people that we're
stable and we'll have an easier time of attracting new members.

Obviously, there's a lot to sort out in the long term. But, I feel
that once we get a group together that can agree on the following
points, we're ready to sign a lease that fits our needs:
- Are courteous towards one another
- Can respect property which is not to be shared
- Are able to honor the financial requirements for a sustained period of time

Following those basic principles, I think we would then be able to
establish a constitution that will define the real principles of the
organization. The final written rules may very well contradict any of
those principles if we choose.

I've done a lot of research and outlined a lot of possibilities for
potential group activities or options to bring in further funds. I
don't think now is the time to start rattling those off, seeing as how
there isn't even a group yet. So, let's build up a group who want/need
to use the space, get in there, and then decide how to best use each
other's strengths.

I encourage anyone seriously interested to check out the following resources:
- Talk on hackerspaces by Jens Ohlig, co-founder of Chaos Computer
Club's hackerspace in Cologne Austria (which has been around for many
years now):
     PDF: http://brepettis.com/blog/Hacker-Space-Design-Patterns.pdf
     Audio: http://www.thelasthope.org/media/audio/64kbps/Hacker_Space_Design_Patterns.mp3
- Hackerspace wiki that has plenty of good links:
     http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Hacker_Spaces
- More assorted talks from HOPE over the years:
     http://www.the-fifth-hope.org/mp3/hacker-spaces.mp3
     http://www.hopenumbersix.net/mp3/16/building_a_hacker_space.mp3
     http://www.thelasthope.org/media/audio/64kbps/Building_Hacker_Spaces_Everywhere_Your_Excuses_are_Invalid.mp3
     http://www.thelasthope.org/media/audio/64kbps/A_Collaborative_Approach_to_Hardware_Hacking_NYCResistor.mp3

Thanks for reading and if you're interested, please send me an email
to get together and have a round-table discussion about it.