First Brighton Hackerspace Meeting July 16, 2009

Hackerspaces (http://hackerspaces.org) are community-operated physical places, where people can meet and work on their projects.

They are not co-working spaces but more an open community lab or studio/workshop where people of diverse backgrounds can come together to share resources and knowledge to build/make physical things.

We are proposing to start one in Brighton as we feel that the city is the perfect place for something like this to grow. Starting the week beginning 13th July we shall be holding weekly meetings at The Skiff about planning the hackerspace and figuring out how we are going to organize it and what the space will provide for both individuals and communities within the Brighton and Hove area.

We have started a mailing list to discuss the space and proposal. You can join us at http://groups.google.com/group/brightonhackerspace.

In this first meeting we shall be discussing some of the important issues that need addressing if we are to start a hackerspace. The agenda currently is as follows:

1) Name the hackerspace - Brighton Hackerspace is so dull, we should think of something catchy and indicative of our aims!

2) The space itself. We need to decide
a) location - where should it be
b) size - what is the mimimum & maximum size we should look for
c) cost - what is our annual rental cost maximum
d) any other requirements

3) Structure of the hackerspace organization - for or non-profit, co-op style, subscription based. I should have more information about our options by Thursday

4) How do we fund the space
a) How do we raise the initial cash to pay for the space and equipment
b) what long term funding strategies do we need and how much do we need to charge

5) What do we need in the space and how to we equip it.

6) Assignment of tasks. Currently identified 'roles' and responsibilities that we need volunteers for are:
a) 'accountant'
b) advertising
c) sponsorship
d) legal

7) timescales

8) Any Other Business

Please come along if you want to be a part of building the hackerspace.

Official Website: http://groups.google.com/group/brightonhackerspace