New comittiee candidates - introductions

[J C]

At last nights AGM 4 members stepped forward to be elected to the committee. Its time to introduce yourselves here, saying a little about yourself, if you want to be a director or committee member and what you want to bring to the role. Please also give your chatroom nickname and which 2 members with 24/7 access have sponsored you.  Please post here before Friday 23rd June 7pm

We want to have a two week period where members are given a chance to get to know you/ ask questions and the voting will be set up for electronic voting with an aim to start 4th July at 9pm.

We haven't before been in a position where we potentially have 8 committee members before. Before the last AGM the committee at the time decided that upto 7 members was a good number for a committee and so some thought into the best way to approach this could be needed. 

I am personally very glad to see so many people coming forwards for the roles :)

Joe

[Adam D. Horden]

Hello.

I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Adam D. Horden and use the nick adhorden on IRC.

I would like to take the opportunity to run as either a director and or committee member.

I am also horrible at writing an introduction about myself.

Some background on myself. I started my career as an electronics biomedical engineer with the NHS, which was multidisciplinary so I got involved with not only medical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering but mechanical engineering as well. Was good fun.

As everything was moving more towards micro controllers back then, I did a career change into electronics design where I was building custom Linux distributions, and writing lots of C. I also move from Wolverhampton to Huddersfield during this time to pursue my degree.

 

Now my day job is now managing fleets of servers with lots of automation after another career change. Writing lots of code. And debugging low level networking problems. Mentoring junior engineers. And drinking lots of coffee.

The point I am trying to make is that I have a whole host of experience and knowledge that I feel that the space could make use of.

I have been in the industry just over fifteen years now.

Last year I was involved with mentoring junior engineers on the first year of their degree in computer science from Huddersfield university. I really enjoy teaching and transferring of knowledge and skills I have. It was good fun to help students but also quite a bit of hard work.

I have been really passionate about the work at Leeds Hackspace and been actively trying to increase our members.

I got more involved last October when we was building out HackSpace v3. I was asked by colleagues at the time at Sky Betting and Gaming if I could take on the electrical installation for HackSpace v3 in terms of the design, installation, testing and inspection. I had some great help from Tim and others during this time. I have actually signed off all the work at HackSpace v3 under my own company. There is still more work we need to get done.

As part of my new employment and me been so passionate about the space I was talking to our head of people and persons and ultimately my boss over a pint about the space. After a conversation they have agreed to give me time off from my day job to come down to the space to finish the electrical work and get this done and fully signed off. I was utterly blown away by the generosity as they lose a senior engineer during this time.

 

It was fantastic to see so many members, companies (quite a few of the parts for the electrical installation I managed to get from colleagues I knew in the industry to cut costs), engineers, just coming along and getting on with the building work during this time.

 

I have due to my background signed off all electrical work to BS7671:2008 AM3. This has been a large chunk of my time after work and weekends. I have also been helping Joe, Fligg and Aidan with any issues that have arisen recently with health and safety, risk assessments, fire protection systems and any other knowledge I can transfer.

 

But I am doing this as it is fantastic to see people show up who want to know how to machine metal on a lathe and we have the machinery and resources to teach. And I want to be more involved with this.

As for my sponsors Tim Pinder, Callum Snowden and Thomas Oldbury have said that they would sponsor me as they are all twenty four seven members.

 

Any questions please ask. I am very active on IRC and or Slack. And I am more than willing to take the time to come down to the space for a face to face chat.

Thanks,

Adam D. Horden

[Stanto]

What would you do as a director/committee member?

[George Scott]

All,

At the AGM I raised that the role of People & Resolutions person should also be up for grabs too - and so as voting may be taking place for other roles, it makes sense to include this non-committee role too.

The role involves managing the sometimes quite high emotions of members as well as finding the smooth paths to progress that conflict can inhibit. Equally it requires empathy with members when you may not necessarily agree, but are duty bound to look for the merit in everyone's ideas and help everyone work towards improving LHS with the resources available.

In short, you work discretely in the background as much as possible to manage hackspace politics.

My sucess to date on this front has been:

- The managing of the full departure of a disgruntled member without the directors having to invoke the heavy hand of banning them.

- Advising the directors on key priorities to limit their exsposure and risk of being shutdown.

- Dealing with conflict between the directors and a committee member.

...on that point:

I need to apologise to all those present at the AGM.

It is my responsibility to prevent conflict where possible and protect members from humiliation and emotional upset. On Tuesday I failed in that responsibility.

Ordinarily I would have picked up on a conflict before it got too public and taken it offline.

While I was aware Joe wanted to raise the issues he did, I didn't think it was going to be done in the way it ultimately was - which is why I shutdown the conversation at the time and wished I had done sooner, as well as taken pre-emptive action ahead of the AGM.

Again you all have my very sincere apologies, for failing in my duty and responsibilities.

I am currently working up a solution, while taking time for the dust to settle, and see who throws their cap in for committee/director responsibilities, while also trying to smooth the way for Joe and Fligg to step down. This will include resolving the aforementioned dispute in an objective, transparent, and dignified way.

All this said, I believe a person is not and should not just be measured on their successes and or failings, but also how they treat those 2 outcomes and work forward.

As such, and in view of the above, I feel that on balance I am still well suited to the P&R role and should continue to execute my responsibilities, especially around this time of significant change in LHS's leadership.

If you would like to genuinely challenge me for the role, I will welcome it, no doubt take learnings from your challenge, and hope to maintain support at a vote.

Bests,

George Scott

07795577549

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[J C]

I would just like to issue a correction to my initial post. We have 9 potential committie members. 2 curent not up for a vote, 3 current up for the vote and 4 new up for the vote makes 9 not 8. Sorry for the counting failure and any confusion caused. 

Joe 

[Adam D. Horden]

Hello, If I did get the opportunity to run as either a director and or committee member I would like to:

Enable more community engagement. I am very active in the wider community (attend multiple talks) and I have quite a few people who would like to come down and talk about various subjects. Everything from the higher end geeky subjects such as FPGAs and RISC-v to how to go about knurling on a lathe. I know Joe has done some great work in the area but this is something I would like to continue and see more active talks at the space from the wider community. This is something that was discussed at the AGM. This would take quite a bit of planning and engagement.

Before I was a member I came down to the space to help with a talk on FPGAs from the MyStorm founder's that included free hardware.

Take responsibility for the electrical installation end to end and all legalities that involves. This is something that I am already doing but will continue doing. This would require support from a project manager for any new works going forward. This is to ensure that all maintenance of equipment, PAT testing, fire protection systems are maintained and in correct working order and all paperwork is legally sound. This would include periodic testing of the fire alarm system as an example. This would free up work for the other committee members and or directors. This is my area of speciality. Aidan has also done some great work in this area.

Essentially I want to help developing Leeds Hackspace even further and with help of more community engagement and talks we could potentially increase the number of members we have.
I would also like to try and get more group projects organised we can all work on. There has been some great projects in the past. We have allot of skills and knowledge as a group. It would also be a great way to teach new skills say to people who want to learn more electronics but are more mechanically minded.
Be an all round approachable person. Help teach and transfer knowledge.
I would also like to take this time to sponsor George Scott as I am a twenty four seven member for the role of People and Resolutions person. With Georges background and witnessing the work done so far in this role it would be my privilege to offer this vote. Thanks,
Adam D. Horden

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[Ari Lloyd]

Hi,

I originally joined the Hackspace to gain access to the laser cutter for a short-term project but enjoyed it so much I ended up staying and would now like to be considered for a role as committee member.  My background is in law and haven't used my degree much except for nurturing a love of reading through arcane case law and rambling judgements.  I did my third year dissertation on embryonic stem-cell and became fascinated with biotech, cyborgs and the increasingly blurred line between repairs and enhancements.  I also love forecasting; I'm a member of the Good Judgement Project and in my last role I 

[J C]

Hi Ari, 

thank you for coming forward, however your email was truncated, could you please re-send in full? 

Thanks

Joe

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[Ari Lloyd]

On Friday, June 23, 2017 at 1:44:41 PM UTC+1, Ari Lloyd wrote:

Hi,

I originally joined the Hackspace to gain access to the laser cutter for a short-term project but enjoyed it so much I ended up staying and would now like to be considered for a role as committee member.  My background is in law and haven't used my degree much except for nurturing a love of reading through arcane case law and rambling judgements.  I did my third year dissertation on embryonic stem-cell and became fascinated with biotech, cyborgs and the increasingly blurred line between repairs and enhancements.  I also love forecasting; I'm a member of the Good Judgement Project and in my last role I 

 (continued - with apologies)

 

designed a way to calculate linguists cancelling their NHS assignments up to 3 months in advance, the likely cancellation period and the reason given.  Currently I work at an insurance company, playing with spreadsheets whilst sipping coffee and reading long-winded letters from solicitors with ever-increasing scepticism. 

 

If I were to be elected as a committee member then, after my celebratory dance, I would really like to work on arranging a booking system for long term and/or group projects.  This would enable groups and individuals to book equipment and storage space ahead of time and easier communication between members.  Sure, we could all make booking equipment appointments using Google Calendar, but I think we like to do things a little fancier than that.  Therefore, I would really like to design a 3D model of the space (I think SketchUp has free software) that shows who will be using what and where. This could be combined with online manuals and all the Health & Safety sign-offs so people could easily get into teams and figure out whether they had everything they needed to get going with their projects and when they could get started.  If they couldn't, then I would find out what was required and attempt to remedy that.         

 

 

I consider myself pretty laid-back, if incredibly sarcastic but also very conscientious and would love to be able to put that to good use for members of the Hackspace.

Thanks,

Ari 

[Philco]

Hello all.

My proper name is Philip Malone, though I am known as Philco to most friends and on the chat. I am also sometimes referred to as “Good Phil” at the Space in order to distinguish me from similarly monikered but more malevolent Phils (who shall go nameless except to say that they are called Phil).

I have been a member for a relatively short time but I truly love the Space and have been amazed by the generousity and helpfulness of other members. I am very much in the position of a learner but am hoping to progress quickly from blinky lights on an arduino to blinky laser-eyes on my Killer Robot.

My two Sponspors for standing for this role are Nav and George Scott.

My reason for wanting to be a committee member is really to help out with things at a committee level. It would be nice to give something back to the Space. Obviously I will not be installing electrical fixtures or designing satellite systems. However I do have other skills which might be of use.

To be frank, I was not totally sold on the idea of putting myself forward, as I am quite new to the Space – but I have been encouraged to do so by a number of other members. So I am throwing my hat in the ring on the basis that the next two weeks will allow time for discussion and feedback. If people do not feel that I am suitable for the role I will happily withdraw my candidacy.

My background is in Psychology and Psychoanalysis. I have an MA in Psychology and an MSc in Psychotherapy, along with an advanced qualification in Clinical Hypnosis. I work as a senior clinician and Clinical Lead in a specialist NHS forensic service.

I also have a lot of experience in organisations / associations. For example I was on the Executive of a Psychoanalytic professional body for a number of years: I sat on the Training, Ethics and Scientific committees. I held the position of Chairperson in 2006 / 2007.

I have done a lot of work on Memoranda & Articles of Association, Primary Objectives and other policy papers, including ethics (etc.). I thought that this was an area where I could help out at the Space as the Mems & Arts are currently under review.

Also, I have been very impressed with George’s work in resolving disputes and dealing with the personalities involved. We are lucky to have him. I intend to vote for him if he is challenged as our resolution focal-point, and would be happy to offer my experience in conflict resolution to him and Ari as and when they want it.

One area where I have a particular interest is in looking to the expertise of the membership. I have had so many fascinating conversations with members about their interests / knowledge that I often find myself wondering why we don’t have a roster of talks / workshops. I would certainly be willing to contribute to this as a lot of psychological theory revolves around “hacking” the processes of the mind. Perhaps a talk on hypnosis or NLP or persuasion? Or how a psychopath is made?

Even if people hate the above idea it remains the case that we can look at ways in which the Space and our various areas of expertise can be used. The important thing, I think, is that we are all a part of the conversation. And disagreement should not be a problem. Our primary purpose is to develop and promote the Hack Space – everything else should serve that goal.

It seems that of late people have been struggling with personal issues and hurt feelings. The more openly we interact, and the broader the conversation about the future of the space, the less personal hurt we will encounter. This would very much be the focus of my tenure as a committee member: including everybody and respecting all views.

OK, I’ve said quite enough and should sign-off now before this mail becomes available in paperback.

Thank you for reading. Philco

On Wednesday, 21 June 2017 15:50:06 UTC+1, Japoteg wrote:

[Ari Lloyd]

Hi,

Andy and George have very kindly agree to be my sponsors and vouch for the fact that beneath my dark demeanour I am an all-round good egg.

[Tanya Perry]

Hi,

I'm Tanya otherwise known as goldsheepbowl in chat!

I'd like to put myself forward to be on the committee (backed by Andy S and Kim)

I originally started turning up to Hackspace socially and because of all the amazing projects I've seen people doing! You're all amazing! I'm only a fairly new member as I felt it was about time I started learning to use the amazing equipment we have. I really love the knowledge sharing we all do.

As a bit of background to me, I actually have two jobs. My main job is working providing technical support for home automation products. My second job is working at the Chilli Shop, primarily at events.

There are a few things I think I can bring to this role if you'll have me! I would love to see Hackspace out there promoting ourselves more at different events. I would happily search for things of interest and also run this kind of event.

Also, I do archery as a hobby. I have previously been on the committee for my club and also in the Child Protection role for 2 years. I would like to bring this experience in to ensure that we have regular talks to make sure we keep everything running smoothly. I want to make sure that the amazing thing we've got going keeps running smoothly.

Honestly I'm terrible at writing things like this, but if anyone would like to have a chat, get to know me better, then please do! Thanks for taking the time to consider me!

[Matt C]

Hello Fellow Hackspacers!

I'm Matt Collins, you might recognise me from the space, or as that guy who emails you when you've forgotten to pay your membership or equally you might have no idea at all who I am! Well, let me enlighten you:

I have been involved with Leeds Hackspace since early 2014 and have been helping out with the management of the space since late 2015. In that time I have successfully run three projects involving hackspace members, most notably the large hackspace cube (https://youtu.be/kBCqEG0mItY), the take over of trinity centre roof lights for light night (https://youtu.be/Kf-GDJL40qw), and there is also a sound reactive LED panel on permanent display at East Street Arts Art Hostel, go check it out :) Over the past year or so I have moved away from projects and in my capacity on the management committee I'm now responsible on a monthly basis for tracking member payments and keeping the list of current members up to date, producing our cash flow document which forecasts the state of our finances, reconciling payments out with receipts, cashing up when I visit the space, and jointly with Harriet the yearly task of gathering the necessary paperwork for our annual accounts for submission to HMRC. Along with Aidan I also recently put together the mail out for gathering member details in line with company law requirements.

Hopefully that gives you an idea of what I currently do on the committee, going forward I would like to continue with these responsibilities, and in addition:

- Work with other members to hold an evaluation of our company structure (articles of association and memorandum of understanding) and recommend changes based on our findings. I think that it is REALLY important that the members of the company (YOU GUYS!) and the directors/committee have a clear understanding of how the company should operate from a legal perspective, this entails everything from how meetings are run, committees and directors are elected, through to how decisions are made and recorded. I would like to address the confusion surrounding these processes and make them simpler for everyone, I think it’s quite an important task as it will set the legal company up in a good place and hopefully trickle down into better process and structure for the the organisation as a whole! I have already done a fair bit of reading around the appropriate company law and have researched the processes at other hackspaces across the uk.

- Secondly, having been responsible for tracking membership I would like to open up a discussion with the wider membership to look at developing infrastructure that will help to track and manage member on-boarding, payments, and access control in a sane way. Currently I create the list of valid members on a monthly basis by a semi-manual process, this has to change, I am already feeling it become unmanageable as we push 75+ members.

I think that the most important job of the directors and committee is to take care of the (boring) structure/process stuff that keeps the space going and provides space for the members to build a community :)

However communities are never without their ups and downs and so to that end I owe the hackspace an apology. I have always been an advocate for change and progress at the space (it was my idea to establish the committee and bring more people onboard to help with the management of the space) and often I have become frustrated with the lack of progress on key issues like our transisition to google docs, opening up the bank account to more committee members, development of the members database etc etc This has led to conflict between myself, Joe, Fligg and others as I have seen them as blockers to change, which in turn led to me becoming dis-heartend and doing a dis-service to the hackspace and not giving 9001% in my position on the committee. I am sorry. For those of you who were at the General Meeting you will have seen the culmination of this conflict in how visibly upset Joe was, I feel that it is only right that I explain some of the things he raised:

- This year we did not submit our accounts in time and so we received a fine of £150, as the person responsible for submitting the accounts I am sorry that this happen. Gathering the information for the accounts, getting them to the accountant and having them approved by the committee is never easy. We were right up to the line getting some travel expenses added into the accounts, the accountant emailed them back to us and I failed to tell him to submit. I'm sorry that happened.

- Secondly Joe raised an instance where it looked like I encouraged an ex-member before he was banned from our channels. This was not my intention, however it is the responsibility of the communicator to ensure that messages are understood as intended, and I am sorry for the confusion. If you look back at the logs I said "You need to troll harder", this was in responses to the ex-member saying "what is irc?" which I found so stupid as in "come on!, if you are trying to annoy people you will have to try harder than that because its dumb!" It was not a carte blanche advocation of that persons behaviour, however that is no excuse, so I apologise if anyone took this to be an endorsement of the trolling of our members.

I really love Leeds Hackspace I have had such an amazing time being part of it and thoroughly enjoy the role I play in keeping it going. Hopefully my statement about the work that I do on the committee and my clarification of the points that Joe raised at the meeting show you that my heart is in the right place, so that being said it would be great to continue working with and for you guys :)

Ta,

Matt