[dorkbotpdx-blabber] PDX Hackerspace?

[Mr.T]

This all sounds great, but who are you? I'm very interested in a non-commercial 
hacker space here in portland. I know you asked to reply directly but more 
than a few people at the meeting last night were curious also.

-eric

_____________________________
Drtwist:
drtwist at aracnet.com

On Mon, 29 Sep 2008, pdx wrote:

> 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.
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