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A few thoughts without reading the entire thread...<br>
<br>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 1/22/2013 6:08 AM, David Francos
wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote
cite="mid:CAEY15fwBNMRBXSdYndmw_Q-Y2RXcegqX9E27EJP605b5Vy5K5w@mail.gmail.com"
type="cite">
<div dir="ltr"><span
style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12.800000190734863px">Hi
there.</span>
<div
style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12.800000190734863px">I'm
from DegeneratedLabs, Zaragoza (Spain) Hackerspace.</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br>
Dubious name if you're trying to attract any sort of non-hackers
(this includes members and potential donators). You mentioned it's
usually shortened to d-lab, you should consider using that as your
official name instead. Branding (and by extension, advertising) is
important when you need to pay the bills -- you have to get the word
out and attract members. When we started, we promoted the space on
social media, put posters up in central areas, and went to local
events with pins/stickers/brochures and what not.<br>
<br>
<blockquote
cite="mid:CAEY15fwBNMRBXSdYndmw_Q-Y2RXcegqX9E27EJP605b5Vy5K5w@mail.gmail.com"
type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div
style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12.800000190734863px">It's
probably the first time I write here, tought I've been lurking
for a while.</div>
<div
style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12.800000190734863px">
<br>
</div>
<div
style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12.800000190734863px">We've
got a 2-year old hackerspace here, with a nice-as-hell space,
but we've recently lost almost all of our members (three
remaining, not much money)</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br>
Ask yourself, why did they leave? Financial issues (their own or the
space's), ideals and direction of the space, not enough xx
tools/whatever? Members who split can give you some important
feedback on what's not working at your space. Often, members may not
tell anyone what the problems are until they're out the door.<br>
<br>
<blockquote
cite="mid:CAEY15fwBNMRBXSdYndmw_Q-Y2RXcegqX9E27EJP605b5Vy5K5w@mail.gmail.com"
type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div
style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12.800000190734863px"><br>
</div>
<div
style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12.800000190734863px">We're
thinking on alternative economic support stuff, we've got a
few nice things (a 3d printer, two floors (one of them mostly
used as a workshop and the other a a source for talks etc),
lots of hardware, tools, fridges coffe machines, a huge
library...)</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br>
Perhaps it's similar in Spain, but in Canada there are potential
funding sources (some with no strings attached whatsoever) that are
available from all levels of government (we had our best luck with a
local arts organization and a provincial project funding program).
Also, we found that by connecting with the local arts community, and
we draw a lot of interest (and potential funding) from that sector.
You mentioned having mostly artists now, perhaps there is a similar
community in your own area you can connect with? At Kwartzlab, we
invite local artists to work in the space (as an honourary member)
for three months, in return they put on a workshop and have a public
art opening. We dedicate wall space to this artist in residence to
display their work. This connection led to us receiving a large
enough grant to buy a laser cutter for the space.<br>
<br>
<blockquote
cite="mid:CAEY15fwBNMRBXSdYndmw_Q-Y2RXcegqX9E27EJP605b5Vy5K5w@mail.gmail.com"
type="cite">
<div dir="ltr"><br>
<div
style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12.800000190734863px">Aside
from that, we've got very poor access to people (We are
currently FOUR people!).</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br>
Again, go out to all matter of local events. Setup a table, bring
lots of stuff to give out. Bring things that make noise! If you have
local publications, invite them in for a tour. We also found having
an open house every week at the same time was instrumental in
bringing in new folks. We had a good share of people become members
through our Tuesday Open Nights (7-10pm). Three hours a week gets a
stream of new & frequent people in to look around, bring in
& show off projects, have impromptu talks, etc.<br>
<br>
The last thing I would stress (and this may just be the treasurer
talking) is stay on top of your finances. There are many spaces
running out of money because they can't track membership dues
properly, or they don't adhere to a budget. Operate within your
means. That way you'll survive long enough to attract more members
and then you can afford to expand/buy cool shit :)<br>
<br>
Hope that helps!<br>
Ben<br>
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