[Vanhackspace] hacker dojo

[Joe Bowser]

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Luke Closs wrote:
> Hey,
> 
> This may be more software than hardware hacking, but I really like the
> structure of the new Hacker Dojo:
> 
>   http://hackerdojo.pbwiki.com/
> 
> I like how they structure it into Directors, Sponsors, Incubees, Full Time
> Members, Part Time members, and Supporters.
> 
> I suggest we adopt something similar.  I bet if we put this together at this
> kind of tiered levels, we could start to get a clear(er) picture of what a
> running VHS budget would be.
> 

I dislike the fact that someone could buy themselves a directorship.
While I have the money to put into the space right now to make sure that
I have a say if we did adopt this system, I may not always in the
future.  I like the idea of a tiered system, and entering into
partnerships with various groups, I don't like the fact that their
directors have that dollar value attached to them.  It seems very
anti-democractic, and anti-lateral.

I agree that people who use the space and materials should pay more, but
this space looks very exclusive.  I don't know what the average income
is for this area, but if we tried even halfing the fee requirements in
Vancouver, VHS would probably shrink to being two people?  (I know that
I can't afford that, and I'm far from being considered someone in need.)

As far as what I've envisioned a VHS budget looking like, here's my vision:

Fees:

Full-Time Members (Come in Every Day, practically live there, have 24/7
access): $50/month
Part-Time Members (Only come in once or twice a week, no keys): $25/month
Full-Time Low Income (Under $25,000): $25/month
Part-Time Low Income (Under $25,000): $10/month
Drop-In (Non-Open House): $5
Drop-In (Open House): FREE (NOTA)

Events Fees:
Not for Profit: $5/hr (no tools), $15/hr (basic tools)
For-Profit: $15/hr (no tools), $25/hr (basic tools)

Drink Fridge:
$2 Donation for Common Drinks (Regular Cola, b33r)
$5 Donation for non-Common Drinks (Craft b33r, Club Mate, Hackerbrau, etc)

Laser Fees:
Full-Time: Free, Unlimited Lazoring
Part-Time: 10 Lazored Items Per Month
Everyone Else (Part time after 10 Lazor): $10/hr for Lazzor + Mats fee

We would also have kits for sale, and have fundraiser parties.  I think
it's important to have the NOTA fees in there, because:

* We're in Canada, things cost more
* We're in Vancouver, housing costs a lot
* There's a HUGE cost disparity between the average Vancouver Software
Developer and their American Counterparts.  (Relevant to other hackerspaces)

I honestly think we have to be sensitive to the fact that not everyone
can pay these fees, and that we have to diversify our income.  I think
it'll come over time, and I don't think that it'll be easy, but I think
it's worth it.

I also want to have a discussion about class issues on the Hackerspaces
discuss list because it's something that's been in the back of my head
since Ella of PNA told me about it at a party at her place.  However,
that's just the Anarchist in me talking.

Joe
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