Is there still any momentum here?

[pjmorse]

I've been working in the spare bedroom for nearly a year now, with ~1
day a week at the home office. I need to see other humans in my days
or I'm going to go nuts. I don't see a lot of discussion here - what's
the status of exploring this idea? Are we missing critical mass of
users, a good space, or someone with the time/energy to be a catalyst?

[Jon]

I couldn't wait any longer, I got an office in downtown Albany.

[Andrew Badera]

All of the above. Laura Northrup and I discussed the idea. I blogged about it, then she blogged about it. All Over Albany picked it up. Laura created a Facebook page which garnered a number of members; I had requests to create a mailing list, as some people don't like/don't use Facebook.

I don't personally have time to truly act as a catalyst. We've had some people discuss/bring forward locations, but there seems to be a lack of critical mass in Albany or Saratoga, or halfway in-between, all of which had interest and various pros and cons.

As far as Jon below, I'm not sure what you mean you couldn't wait, the list is only what, two months old?

∞ Andy Badera
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∞ This email is: [ ] bloggable [x] ask first [ ] private
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[Laura Northrup]

The problems seem to be as follows:

1. Most people seem to be saying "that would be great and I would go
there if it already existed within 10 minutes of my house/client base."

2. Solo workers and entrepreneurs are busy people, and no single
person seems to want to step forward and be the main leader of the
project. I would be happy to take on some of that role, but can't do
it all by myself. A steering committee of 3-4 people would be ideal,
in order to split up the work.

3. As Andrew says, critical mass. This is a single metro area that is
weirdly scattered. A single location would be nice to start (perhaps
in Latham or Colonie, somewhere centrally located but close to
highways) but it will be hard to choose a location that will alienate
no one.

I'm considering reserving a study room at a local library on a weekly
basis for an informal work afternoon, and seeing where things go from
there. Anyone up for that?

[Ryan Faas]

Hi everyone,

I joined the group a while back but haven't really followed up beyond that. I'm a freelance tech writer living in the Center Square/Washington Park area of Albany. I'm really interested in the idea of at least a part-time co-working space. As everyone else has said a big challenge for the area seems to the rather scattered nature of the urban/suburban planning of the various communities (or one could say the lack of coordinated planning).

I also agree with Laura that it seems unlikely for any one of us to have the time/resources to take on a leadership role single-handedly. I'd be more than happy to participate on a steering committee and do some follow-up work, however.

Laura, you mentioned the idea of reserving a study room. I think that could be a great starting point as it's informal and doesn't require a major commitment of money or even planning. It would also give us all a chance to test out the co-working concept and get to know each other before moving ahead with something more concrete.

Did you have a particular day or library in mind?

For me the main branch of the Albany library and the new Delaware Ave. branch would be ideal locations - but so would the Bethlehem library. Granted, those may not be the best option for others. I personally like the space and environment of the Guilderland library, but it's location relative to the rest of the tri-city area would make it challenging for me and I assume others.

Actually, in terms of a central/accessible location, the best choice might be the Colonie Library, since it easy to get to from most parts of the region either by car or public transportation (although the traffic around there is among the worst places at rush hour).

Ryan

http://www.ryanfaas.com

[Andrew Badera]

Liking the idea of a steering committee.

I'm also a fan of the Colonie area for its centrality, for meetings or for actual coworking, but as a Latham resident, I don't want to appear to be rooting for that out of personal convenience.

--ab

[Laura Northrup]

I would rule out the Colonie library until the Maxwell Road
construction is done. I was at the Times Union building last week and
it was a bit of a headache that's best avoided if there are other
places to go. Once they're done tearing up the street, it will be
ideal.

Until then, I like the Delaware library as a space. I was going to
reserve a room at Pine Hills, but the parking situation there is not
great, and it's not convenient to a highway.

[Ryan Faas]

The Delaware branch works well for me (as I mentioned). Do you have any particular days in mind?

[Andrew Badera]

hi all,

Long time no chat.

Met with a Business Review reporter, Robin Cooper, on this and other area tech/startup/biz topics this morning.

Anyone had anything else going on as far as coworking goes?

--ab