"When Hackerspace Directors Burn Out"

[Christopher Hoffman]

Hey Hackers, I came across this article the other day that I think others might be interested in.

https://hackaday.com/2018/04/18/when-hackerspace-directors-burn-out/

It's about the growing pains that spaces go through. The author suggests that 50 members is the turning point, where the membership is no longer a close knit small group of good friends, the original driving force is now diluted with more passive members, and confrontations can burn out the volunteers keeping the space running.

Coincidentally, we are right there at the 50 member mark. I feel that sometimes we fall into the "ethical doormat policy" trap the author alludes to, but I am also proud that the space sailed through the challenging last year and we are still moving steadily forwards.

So, what do you all think about the article?

[Joseph DiPietro]

I thought it was enlightening. 

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[Randy Fischer]

Hey Hackers, I came across this article the other day that I think others might be interested in.

https://hackaday.com/2018/04/18/when-hackerspace-directors-burn-out/

It's about the growing pains that spaces go through. The author suggests that 50 members is the turning point, where the membership is no longer a close knit small group of good friends, the original driving force is now diluted with more passive members, and confrontations can burn out the volunteers keeping the space running. 

Being a "passive member", I am a bit affronted.  I would rather be considered a "sustaining member" *, which is why I have never tried to become a "voting member": you go, kids!  (You do not need my input (well, maybe this time (well, my $$ certainly does not hurt))) **

-Randy

* Other issues have kept me away, or at least at bay. Up until now. Be afraid!

** Lisp evangislist.

[Joseph DiPietro]

I still am bothered by the terminology. "Directors" determine long term goals. "Officers" manage day-to-day operations. Directors select (elect) the officers. So our "Voting Members" are the directors.

But that is meaningless minutiae about politics and really has nothing to do with what Hackerspace is all about, so I won't say anything about it.

Wait, did I say that out loud?

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[Brian Bartholomew]

fischer> Other issues have kept me away, or at least at bay. Up until
fischer> now. Be afraid!

Capabilities have never been better. The shop in the West location is
happening. There are woodworking machines, an old Bridgeport, and an
old metal lathe headed to that space. These are old and cheap enough
to be a place to do the machining equivalent of teenagers learning to
drive. Beginners will have fender-benders. This is not misuse, this
is learning.
Brian

[Christopher Hoffman]

These are old and cheap enough to be a place to do the machining equivalent of teenagers learning to
drive.  Beginners will have fender-benders.  This is not misuse, this is learning.

I need this engraved on a plaque to hang in the machine room.

(As long as they are just fender-benders, and not missing digits or necktie-in-lathe) 

                                                        Brian

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[Brian Bartholomew]

> These are old and cheap enough to be a place to do the machining
> equivalent of teenagers learning to drive. Beginners will have
> fender-benders. This is not misuse, this is learning.

| I need this engraved on a plaque to hang in the machine room.
| (As long as they are just fender-benders, and not missing digits or
| necktie-in-lathe)

Here's a video of the student access machine shop at UC Berkeley
engineering. Why no equivalent at the local top-ten university?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMPYLUoGqLY

Brian