New Machines Kickstarter Discussion

[Michael Grube]

Alright, we need new machines as soon as possible. Imagine new machines. Everybody please contribute to a list of functions these machines would serve. Examples: CAD, 3D Printing, LoL, everything you can think of.

It is my opinion that it's highly important NOT to disclose this news until we have the beginnings of a new plan.

[Michael Grube]

Here's a doc:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rwDPkJiL-0fqIQENhUgdIAofEoDpZkmXOv3Wg3fUpBw/edit

[N Y]

Well, to anyone following this mailing list (there are a few), cat's
already out of the bag. :P

The gaming would likely be far and away the most demanding application
of these machines. If we were to build these new (and this is not the
only option), I am thinking:

- AMD-based due to their low cost vs. performance; either Phenom, or
A-series (no experience with A-series, but they look like a good deal
for what you get). (~$100-125 for APU/CPU, another $50-110 for motherboard)
- If not going with A-series, let's use last-gen NVidia video cards (or
the generation prior). Radeon might work here, too, but I haven't used
such a card in a long time. (Anything from $80-200)
- At least 8GB of RAM. (~$50-65)
- Some amount of HDD space. Not sure what our storage requirements are,
but this would probably be under $80.
- Case, PSU (somewhere south of $80 if we go cheaper)

We might need more LCDs. I'm not sure how many are owned by Mythlogic.
Not including LCD, we could probably get costs under $400 per machine
like this.

We could even go cheaper if needed. This should keep us current for
quite a while vs. upfront cost. More modern games will noticeably fall
off in performance in the next couple of years, but old games should
work fine. I am guessing that LoL will run just fine on such a machine
for the foreseeable future.

Are we replacing all eight machines?

I am kind of liking the idea of A-series APU approach for the cost.
Discrete graphics might be overkill and can get pricey. Anyone have
experience with these?

-- Nate Y.

[Michael Grube]

On Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 9:42 AM, N Y <nymi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Well, to anyone following this mailing list (there are a few), cat's
already out of the bag. :P

Former directors should not be on this list, but obviously that discussion is for another time.

 

The gaming would likely be far and away the most demanding application
of these machines.  If we were to build these new (and this is not the
only option), I am thinking:

- AMD-based due to their low cost vs. performance; either Phenom, or
A-series (no experience with A-series, but they look like a good deal
for what you get). (~$100-125 for APU/CPU, another $50-110 for motherboard)
- If not going with A-series, let's use last-gen NVidia video cards (or
the generation prior).  Radeon might work here, too, but I haven't used
such a card in a long time. (Anything from $80-200)
- At least 8GB of RAM. (~$50-65)
- Some amount of HDD space.  Not sure what our storage requirements are,
but this would probably be under $80.
- Case, PSU (somewhere south of $80 if we go cheaper)

We should keep in mind though that raising money in the future for more machines will take us a while. so these machines should ideally be usable for games for the next 2 years at least. I think aiming higher with hardware would make it more attractive(with Kickstarter, we're selling them a deal not begging for money).

We'll probably start with specs that would last about 1 year in the current environment and make higher end hardware our reach goals. 

Nice quick numbers though, that was very helpful. Thank you.

 

We might need more LCDs.  I'm not sure how many are owned by Mythlogic.
Not including LCD, we could probably get costs under $400 per machine
like this.

That'd be impressive. Are you free to talk over it later this evening? Any time after 6:15?

 

We could even go cheaper if needed.  This should keep us current for
quite a while vs. upfront cost.  More modern games will noticeably fall
off in performance in the next couple of years, but old games should
work fine.  I am guessing that LoL will run just fine on such a machine
for the foreseeable future.

I love this thinking, but we need to make it appealing.

 

Are we replacing all eight machines?

 

IMHO, might as well.

 

I am kind of liking the idea of A-series APU approach for the cost.
Discrete graphics might be overkill and can get pricey.  Anyone have
experience with these?

Discrete graphics are important for gamers and students alike. I think this needs to come with the package.

 

-- Nate Y.

On 03/19/2013 08:58 AM, Michael Grube wrote:
> Alright, we need new machines as soon as possible. Imagine new machines.
> Everybody please contribute to a list of functions these machines would
> serve. Examples: CAD, 3D Printing, LoL, everything you can think of.
>
> It is my opinion that it's highly important NOT to disclose this news until
> we have the beginnings of a new plan.
>

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ahashop_directors" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[Dana Nelson]

I have a lot of a kick starter already started. We'll just have to edit it to reflect this current project, but that's not much work.

[Michael Grube]

That would be excellent. I can grab a video camera from my parents place during lunch.

On Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 10:31 AM, Dana Nelson <heib...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have a lot of a kick starter already started. We'll just have to edit it to reflect this current project, but that's not much work.

--

[Josh Williams]

1) This list is open to the public for viewing. There is no reason to keep people from being informed, worst case scenario people complain. Best case scenario, someone helps out that we didn't expect.

2) Dana: Awesome on the Kickstarter. 

3) This is going to be awesome : )

On Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 10:31 AM, Dana Nelson <heib...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have a lot of a kick starter already started. We'll just have to edit it to reflect this current project, but that's not much work.

--

[N Y]

This directors list is visible by the public. However, it's supposed to
be limited such that only current directors/officers can post messages
to it. Anyone in the intertubes can see the conversations we're having
here -- the bo...@allhandsactive.com list is for the stuff that should
remain private.

I am doing some investigation on overall performance with the A-series.
While they are not discrete graphics solutions, they supposedly have
fairly capable integrated 3D, i.e. will run most current games (though
maybe not maxed out). I think we can get at *least* two years out of
such machines, much more if we're not always trying to play
bleeding-edge games (and I don't think we will be, based on previous
discussions related to AHA's vision). If it turns out that there's some
dire need to, we can later add a discrete card on top of things. People
needing Moar Powar could also be encouraged to bring their own rigs. :)

Can't make it to the space today, but I can do a chat via XMPP/IRC/phone
this afternoon! Ping me when you're free.

-- Nate Y.

[Thomas Hunter]

Couldn't we pick out a few tiers of gaming rigs for the kickstarter, and based on the amount of money raised, use that to select the type of rigs we build?

E.g. we have a goal of $5,000 for modest machines, if we raise $10,000, we build epic machines, etc.

Thomas Hunter

programmer

blog: thomashunter.name

twitter: @tlhunter

github: github.com/tlhunter

phone: 989-513-5499

[Michael Grube]

On Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 10:38 AM, Thomas Hunter <m...@thomashunter.name> wrote:

Couldn't we pick out a few tiers of gaming rigs for the kickstarter, and based on the amount of money raised, use that to select the type of rigs we build?

E.g. we have a goal of $5,000 for modest machines, if we raise $10,000, we build epic machines, etc.

Right, as mentioned earlier with the reach goals.

[N Y]

Hmm... Maybe I am misunderstanding the goals here; but if we're going
for a $10000 price point on Kickstarter (for example), why shouldn't we
stick with the budget machines, and use the extra money to help out with
our other financial issues? Would this make for a disastrous KS
campaign? I just can't get behind buying $10000 worth of extreme gaming
hardware in good conscience. I don't think we need that much provided
computing power at a hackerspace -- people can bring/build more if/when
they need it.

-- Nate Y.

On 03/19/2013 10:38 AM, Thomas Hunter wrote:
> Couldn't we pick out a few tiers of gaming rigs for the kickstarter, and based on the amount of money raised, use that to select the type of rigs we build?
>
> E.g. we have a goal of $5,000 for modest machines, if we raise $10,000, we build epic machines, etc.
>
> Thomas Hunter
> programmer
>

> blog: thomashunter.name (http://thomashunter.name/)
> twitter: @tlhunter (https://twitter.com/#!/tlhunter)
> github: github.com/tlhunter (http://github.com/tlhunter)

> phone: 989-513-5499
>
>
>
> On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 10:35:48, N Y wrote:
>
>> This directors list is visible by the public. However, it's supposed to
>> be limited such that only current directors/officers can post messages
>> to it. Anyone in the intertubes can see the conversations we're having

>> here -- the bo...@allhandsactive.com (mailto:bo...@allhandsactive.com) list is for the stuff that should

>> remain private.
>>
>> I am doing some investigation on overall performance with the A-series.
>> While they are not discrete graphics solutions, they supposedly have
>> fairly capable integrated 3D, i.e. will run most current games (though
>> maybe not maxed out). I think we can get at *least* two years out of
>> such machines, much more if we're not always trying to play
>> bleeding-edge games (and I don't think we will be, based on previous
>> discussions related to AHA's vision). If it turns out that there's some
>> dire need to, we can later add a discrete card on top of things. People
>> needing Moar Powar could also be encouraged to bring their own rigs. :)
>>
>> Can't make it to the space today, but I can do a chat via XMPP/IRC/phone
>> this afternoon! Ping me when you're free.
>>
>> -- Nate Y.
>>
>> On 03/19/2013 09:55 AM, Michael Grube wrote:

>>>> email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com).

>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ahashop_directors" group.

>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com).

[Thomas Hunter]

Those were just my made up numbers

Thomas Hunter

programmer

blog: thomashunter.name

twitter: @tlhunter

github: github.com/tlhunter

phone: 989-513-5499

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com.

[N Y]

Right, that's why I said (for example). :)

Just making the point that I think we should not spend way too much on
hardware. We've all agreed that our vision is not to be a gaming
center, so we should spec out our hardware appropriately, and use any
extra money to make AHA better overall -- not just buy more expensive PCs :P

Frugally yours,
-- Nate Y.

On 03/19/2013 10:58 AM, Thomas Hunter wrote:
> Those were just my made up numbers
>
> Thomas Hunter
> programmer
>

>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com).

[Dana Nelson]

I worried about everyone screwing over the gamers, yet again. No, we aren't aiming to be a gaming center, but if you don't start thinking about what they want, we're going to lose them. We still get people coming down for LAN parties, I'm running summer camps and classes revolved around video games, gaming is an important part of what we do. If they don't run games, we messed up.

There's my two cents.

Also, yes, $10,000 is too much. Don't worry too much about the Kickstarter, Josh and I have a meeting in a couple minutes where this is going to be a topic peice. Who knows, we may save the world in the next 2 hours, who knows.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com.

For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

--
Dana Nelson

All Hands Active

AHAkids Class Coordinator

[Josh Williams]

http://goo.gl/ITa2Q

Current machine specs, I still need to add a few more details (Case, & PSU primarily)

They are all running Windows 7, or Windows Vista Business edition.

[nathan dotz]

While I admire the alacrity with with a contingency plan is being investigated, don't you think this is a bit of a hasty discussion?

As expensive as a whole new set of machines is, I bet with some nice asking (without even the help of Kickstarter) around our local community, we could get a sustainable number of machines together until we can find a better solution. I've got a tower that should at least run League I can loan. In addition, I think our efforts at fundraising have many times been stunted by us underestimating the community around us until we're absolutely desperate enough to get out and really ask for help.

Perhaps this is one of those situations in which patience is a virtue until we've heard back from Mythlogic.

Lastly, closing down this mailing list to those of us who still care deeply about the state of AHA to share our opinions would not only be a detriment to valuable mind-share, but would likely represent the antithesis of what we're all about.

--
@nathandotz

github.com/sleepynate | www.sleepynate.com

On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 11:13 AM, Dana Nelson wrote:

> I worried about everyone screwing over the gamers, yet again. No, we aren't aiming to be a gaming center, but if you don't start thinking about what they want, we're going to lose them. We still get people coming down for LAN parties, I'm running summer camps and classes revolved around video games, gaming is an important part of what we do. If they don't run games, we messed up.
>
> There's my two cents.
>
> Also, yes, $10,000 is too much. Don't worry too much about the Kickstarter, Josh and I have a meeting in a couple minutes where this is going to be a topic peice. Who knows, we may save the world in the next 2 hours, who knows.
>

> On Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 11:03 AM, N Y <nymi...@gmail.com (mailto:nymi...@gmail.com)> wrote:
> > Right, that's why I said (for example). :)
> >
> > Just making the point that I think we should not spend way too much on
> > hardware. We've all agreed that our vision is not to be a gaming
> > center, so we should spec out our hardware appropriately, and use any
> > extra money to make AHA better overall -- not just buy more expensive PCs :P
> >
> > Frugally yours,
> > -- Nate Y.
> >
> > On 03/19/2013 10:58 AM, Thomas Hunter wrote:
> > > Those were just my made up numbers
> > >
> > > Thomas Hunter
> > > programmer
> > >

> > > blog: thomashunter.name (http://thomashunter.name) (http://thomashunter.name/)
> > > twitter: @tlhunter (https://twitter.com/#!/tlhunter)
> > > github: github.com/tlhunter (http://github.com/tlhunter) (http://github.com/tlhunter)
> > > phone: 989-513-5499 (tel:989-513-5499)

> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 10:54:49, N Y wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hmm... Maybe I am misunderstanding the goals here; but if we're going
> > > > for a $10000 price point on Kickstarter (for example), why shouldn't we
> > > > stick with the budget machines, and use the extra money to help out with
> > > > our other financial issues? Would this make for a disastrous KS
> > > > campaign? I just can't get behind buying $10000 worth of extreme gaming
> > > > hardware in good conscience. I don't think we need that much provided
> > > > computing power at a hackerspace -- people can bring/build more if/when
> > > > they need it.
> > > >
> > > > -- Nate Y.
> > > >
> > > > On 03/19/2013 10:38 AM, Thomas Hunter wrote:
> > > > > Couldn't we pick out a few tiers of gaming rigs for the kickstarter, and based on the amount of money raised, use that to select the type of rigs we build?
> > > > >
> > > > > E.g. we have a goal of $5,000 for modest machines, if we raise $10,000, we build epic machines, etc.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thomas Hunter
> > > > > programmer
> > > > >

> > > > > blog: thomashunter.name (http://thomashunter.name) (http://thomashunter.name/)
> > > > > twitter: @tlhunter (https://twitter.com/#!/tlhunter)
> > > > > github: github.com/tlhunter (http://github.com/tlhunter) (http://github.com/tlhunter)
> > > > > phone: 989-513-5499 (tel:989-513-5499)

> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 10:35:48, N Y wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > This directors list is visible by the public. However, it's supposed to
> > > > > > be limited such that only current directors/officers can post messages
> > > > > > to it. Anyone in the intertubes can see the conversations we're having

> > > > > > here -- the bo...@allhandsactive.com (mailto:bo...@allhandsactive.com) (mailto:bo...@allhandsactive.com) list is for the stuff that should

> > > > > > remain private.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I am doing some investigation on overall performance with the A-series.
> > > > > > While they are not discrete graphics solutions, they supposedly have
> > > > > > fairly capable integrated 3D, i.e. will run most current games (though
> > > > > > maybe not maxed out). I think we can get at *least* two years out of
> > > > > > such machines, much more if we're not always trying to play
> > > > > > bleeding-edge games (and I don't think we will be, based on previous
> > > > > > discussions related to AHA's vision). If it turns out that there's some
> > > > > > dire need to, we can later add a discrete card on top of things. People
> > > > > > needing Moar Powar could also be encouraged to bring their own rigs. :)
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Can't make it to the space today, but I can do a chat via XMPP/IRC/phone
> > > > > > this afternoon! Ping me when you're free.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > -- Nate Y.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > On 03/19/2013 09:55 AM, Michael Grube wrote:

> > > > > > > > email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com) (mailto:ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com)).

> > > > > > > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --
> > > > > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ahashop_directors" group.

> > > > > > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com) (mailto:ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com)).

> > > > > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ahashop_directors" group.

> > > > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com) (mailto:ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com)).

> > > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ahashop_directors" group.

> > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com).

> > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Dana Nelson
> All Hands Active
> AHAkids Class Coordinator
>
>

[N Y]

Well, that did sound a bit harsh on the gaming. Let me clarify by
saying that I am not trying to do away with it, and I respect the fact
that we have some dedicated folks still making the journey out to AHA to
get some gaming in. Despite the time limitations of my job and such
these days, I still even consider myself a "gamer". That being said,
there's should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we've decided to move
to a more generalized position with this respect, and I just laid out
some specs for "all-around" machines that should allow for pretty good
gaming on a budget.

Hmm... I am curious what meeting you are referring to. :P Please keep
us in the loop and let us know if we can help in any way.

-- Nate Y.

[Michael Grube]

Dotz has a good point on contingency planning. We should aim to improve our situation but also realize that we can have some backup machines to use if we simply ask nicely. It's important, though, that we take the situation we're in and use it to improve rather than simply replace what we have.

I'll be busy working on the Kickstarter(filiming tonight...), can anybody else dedicate themselves to finding donation hardware?

Other political discussions are a waste of time right now if they do not pertain to pursuing this plan. Of course gaming does, as it influences what hardware we're aiming for.

[Dana Nelson]

So many personalities! 

So how about we do this: Tonight we have a meeting, whoever can show, awesome, if you can't don't worry. We discuss options for people, companies, and others we can reach out to, and how to reach out to them.

BUT, after that, we work towards our Plan B: Kickstarter project

This way, we kill two birds with one stone, and if we have to push the "Go Live" button on Kickstarter, we're prepared.

[nathan dotz]

> Other political discussions are a waste of time right now if they do not pertain to pursuing this plan. Of course gaming does, as it influences what hardware we're aiming for.

This kind of dismissive attitude is the opposite of helpful.

It's probably important to take extreme care in crafting a Kickstarter or any other outreach and funding campaign. Sloppy or hasty execution *will* bury your cause in mediocrity.

We're not going to go under if we don't have gamer rigs for a week, and that's a worst-case scenario. More importantly, we will go under if we devolve into a tangle of conflict instead of unity and vision. The latter of those choices requires consensus and patience.

I trust we can all respect each others' opinions enough to see this short-notice issue through with grace.


--
@nathandotz

github.com/sleepynate | www.sleepynate.com

On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 11:38 AM, Michael Grube wrote:

> Dotz has a good point on contingency planning. We should aim to improve our situation but also realize that we can have some backup machines to use if we simply ask nicely. It's important, though, that we take the situation we're in and use it to improve rather than simply replace what we have.
>
> I'll be busy working on the Kickstarter(filiming tonight...), can anybody else dedicate themselves to finding donation hardware?
>
> Other political discussions are a waste of time right now if they do not pertain to pursuing this plan. Of course gaming does, as it influences what hardware we're aiming for.
>

> > > > > blog: thomashunter.name (http://thomashunter.name) (http://thomashunter.name/)
> > > > > twitter: @tlhunter (https://twitter.com/#!/tlhunter)

> > > > > github: github.com/tlhunter (http://github.com/tlhunter) (http://github.com/tlhunter)
> > > > > phone: 989-513-5499 (tel:989-513-5499)
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >

> > > > > On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 10:54:49, N Y wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > Hmm... Maybe I am misunderstanding the goals here; but if we're going
> > > > > > for a $10000 price point on Kickstarter (for example), why shouldn't we
> > > > > > stick with the budget machines, and use the extra money to help out with
> > > > > > our other financial issues? Would this make for a disastrous KS
> > > > > > campaign? I just can't get behind buying $10000 worth of extreme gaming
> > > > > > hardware in good conscience. I don't think we need that much provided
> > > > > > computing power at a hackerspace -- people can bring/build more if/when
> > > > > > they need it.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > -- Nate Y.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > On 03/19/2013 10:38 AM, Thomas Hunter wrote:
> > > > > > > Couldn't we pick out a few tiers of gaming rigs for the kickstarter,
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > and based on the amount of money raised, use that to select the type of
> > > > rigs we build?
> > > > > > > E.g. we have a goal of $5,000 for modest machines, if we raise
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > $10,000, we build epic machines, etc.
> > > > > > > Thomas Hunter
> > > > > > > programmer
> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > blog: thomashunter.name (http://thomashunter.name) (http://thomashunter.name/)
> > > > > > > twitter: @tlhunter (https://twitter.com/#!/tlhunter)

> > > > > > > github: github.com/tlhunter (http://github.com/tlhunter) (http://github.com/tlhunter)
> > > > > > > phone: 989-513-5499 (tel:989-513-5499)
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 10:35:48, N Y wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > This directors list is visible by the public. However, it's supposed
> > > > to
> > > > > > > > be limited such that only current directors/officers can post messages
> > > > > > > > to it. Anyone in the intertubes can see the conversations we're having

> > > > > > > > here -- the bo...@allhandsactive.com (mailto:bo...@allhandsactive.com) (mailto:bo...@allhandsactive.com)

> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > list is for the stuff that should
> > > > > > > > remain private.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I am doing some investigation on overall performance with the
> > > > A-series.
> > > > > > > > While they are not discrete graphics solutions, they supposedly have
> > > > > > > > fairly capable integrated 3D, i.e. will run most current games (though
> > > > > > > > maybe not maxed out). I think we can get at *least* two years out of
> > > > > > > > such machines, much more if we're not always trying to play
> > > > > > > > bleeding-edge games (and I don't think we will be, based on previous
> > > > > > > > discussions related to AHA's vision). If it turns out that there's
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > some
> > > > > > > > dire need to, we can later add a discrete card on top of things.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > People
> > > > > > > > needing Moar Powar could also be encouraged to bring their own rigs.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > :)
> > > > > > > > Can't make it to the space today, but I can do a chat via
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > XMPP/IRC/phone
> > > > > > > > this afternoon! Ping me when you're free.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > -- Nate Y.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > On 03/19/2013 09:55 AM, Michael Grube wrote:

> > > > > > > > > On Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 9:42 AM, N Y <nymi...@gmail.com (mailto:nymi...@gmail.com) (mailto:

> > > > > > > > > > email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com) (mailto:
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com)).

> > > > > > > > > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > --
> > > > > > > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > Groups "ahashop_directors" group.
> > > > > > > > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >

> > > > send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com) (mailto:
> > > > ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com)).

> > > > > > > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --
> > > > > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > Groups "ahashop_directors" group.
> > > > > > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
> > > > >
> > > >

> > > > an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com) (mailto:
> > > > ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com)).

> > > > > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> > > > "ahashop_directors" group.
> > > > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an

> > > > email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com).

> > > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ahashop_directors" group.

> > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com).

[Michael Grube]

On Tuesday, March 19, 2013, nathan dotz wrote:

> Other political discussions are a waste of time right now if they do not pertain to pursuing this plan. Of course gaming does, as it influences what hardware we're aiming for.

This kind of dismissive attitude is the opposite of helpful.

It's probably important to take extreme care in crafting a Kickstarter or any other outreach and funding campaign. Sloppy or hasty execution *will* bury your cause in mediocrity.

We're not going to go under if we don't have gamer rigs for a week, and that's a worst-case scenario. More importantly, we will go under if we devolve into a tangle of conflict instead of unity and vision. The latter of those choices requires consensus and patience.

I trust we can all respect each others' opinions enough to see this short-notice issue through with grace.

Which is exactly the reason that I just want to focus on the problem at hand. Discussions on other topics can and should happen in other threads at the very least. Having full on discussions about tangentially related topics in the same thread is distracting and counterproductive. 

 

> > > > > > > > > for games for the next 2 years at least. I think ai> > > > > > > > > > email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com (mailto:ahashop_directors%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com) (mailto:

[Dana Nelson]

It's counterproductive to talk about how counterproductive this is.

Are we okay with having a meeting at around 6:15-6:30pm or not? Are we cool with the topic plans? Yes or No, that is all that's needed. If not, we need to develop a new time, or a new strategy. 

[Thomas Hunter]

I've got a 7pm thing, and will likely be working till 6:30, so I'm out D:

Thomas Hunter

programmer

blog: thomashunter.name

twitter: @tlhunter

github: github.com/tlhunter

phone: 989-513-5499

On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 12:44:20, Dana Nelson wrote:

It's counterproductive to talk about how counterproductive this is.

Are we okay with having a meeting at around 6:15-6:30pm or not? Are we cool with the topic plans? Yes or No, that is all that's needed. If not, we need to develop a new time, or a new strategy. 

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ahashop_directors" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com.

[N Y]

Can't make it tonight, but I would like to hear about what you come up
with. Put notes on the wiki, please?

In case of rescheduling, I am more flexible tomorrow or Thursday evening.

-- Nate Y.

[Dana Nelson]

Okay, sounds like there's only 2 of us, so tomorrow evening at 7pm?

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ahashop_directors" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ahashop_direct...@googlegroups.com.

For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

--

[Thomas Hunter]

Wednesday doesn't work for me, my Thursday is wide open though.

Thomas Hunter

programmer

blog: thomashunter.name

twitter: @tlhunter

github: github.com/tlhunter

phone: 989-513-5499

[Dana Nelson]

Honestly, I think we need a few options for plans and to start setting things in motion as soon as possible. If Myth decides to take computers tomorrow, we can't wait. The only reason i'm pushing it back a day is because 2 out of 5 board members isn't enough.

[Josh Williams]

Communication can keep on occurring even if we can't meet immediately in person. Ops as a company suffered a lot from making quick decisions with poor implementation, that then cost us more time and money in the long run.

1) First thing we need is a definitive list of options from MYTH (How long do we have, are they taking all of them, can we buy them or not, etc.) 

2) While we wait for that, we can continue expanding upon the document Mr. Grube started, ie: 

 - What reasons do we have to spend money on PCs

 - Who can back those reasons

 - What kind of specs, and what are the costs for those PCs.

 - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rwDPkJiL-0fqIQENhUgdIAofEoDpZkmXOv3Wg3fUpBw/edit

3) Dotz brought up a good point that Kickstarter is not our only option. In what ways can we reach out to the community for help? This can be donating PCs, helping spread the word about Kickstarter, etc. 

Possibly even more important, this is forcing us to ask ourselves how much we're willing to spend (time or money) on computers, and what do we intend to do with it that makes us a better hackerspace ? : )

Keep the ideas flowing!

 - Josh W.

On Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 2:18 PM, Dana Nelson <heib...@gmail.com> wrote:

Honestly, I think we need a few options for plans and to start setting things in motion as soon as possible. If Myth decides to take computers tomorrow, we can't wait. The only reason i'm pushing it back a day is because 2 out of 5 board members isn't enough.

--

[Dana Nelson]

I am in no way saying there should be a decision made tomorrow, but starting on developing plans is important. Being hasty is bad, yes, but starting early is better than procrastinating.

Really what we should have done, IMO, is starting with "what-ifs" and developing some options when we found out about this. 

I simply like being prepared.

[Josh Williams]

Brief update:

 Current communicating with MYTHLOGIC:

1) They want their Server/Rack/Hardware by next Wednesday (3/27). I can get the Server Software / Data moved over to the shift machine by Sunday night.

2) I've requested we hang onto their gaming stations until the first week of April. Upon which would be a perfect time for us to Remove the Cube, put in new workstations, and hopefully setup some other temporary PCs.

 - Waiting for approval on this.

3) They have some older hardware they are interested in donating, looking forward to more info on that.

 - Josh Williams

 - 734-904-9595

[Dana Nelson]

Excellent, thank you. The past couple hours have been nail-biting suspense.

[N Y]

Thanks, Josh -- that's a bit of wiggle room. Do we know anyone else who
has a stock of decent PCs they might be able to donate, in addition to
anything provided by Mythlogic?

-- Nate

>> *All Hands Active*
>> *AHAkids Class Coordinator*

[Josh Williams]

All right:

Mythlogic is offering to sell us the existing machines for $500 a piece. AHA would pay this off over the next X months, in $500 installments until all machines have been paid for. If we buy 8 machines, we pay $500 for 10 months. A total of $4,000. We would be canceling the service contract we currently have with them, so this would not change our existing budget for operating these boxes..

Example machine:

Core06

CPU Intel Quad CPU Q8200 @ 2.33GHz

Video Card GeForce 9800 GTX/9800GTX+

HD 500GB WD5000AAKS

RAM 4GB Mushkin (2x2GB)

Motherboard XFX GeForce 9300

Case NZXT Alpha Black Steel ATX Mid Tower

PSU Mushkin Enhanced 550200 550W

OS They say we can keep the existing licenses / infrastructure.

They have also offered to sell us the rack for $150, or exchange it for one of our 24" LCDs. This would save us the hassle of having to move everything out, install a new rack, etc.

My thoughts:

 - Purchasing this equipment saves us from having to setup machines, purchase a new OS, configure, etc. This alone probably saves us 50+ man hours of work, probably a lot more. 

 - Aside from that, it's not cheap, and they are 3 year old machines. 

 - Given the amount of time we save, I think it's worth it primarily for the time savings. Purchasing new hardware would be ideal, but would mean a lot more man hours making it all work.

Let me know what questions you have, or if you're a yay, nay. 

 - Josh W.

[Dana Nelson]

Well, seems to me that we have stuff to talk about at 7pm tonight. Hopefully everyone can make it.