[hackerspaces] Failing/failed hackerspaces

[dosman]

Another perspective is when a commercial space of some flavor fails to develop a community and they don't understand why. They see other non-profit and community oriented spaces succeed and can't make the connection. There's one of these in our state and they have great intentions and all but it sounds like they have had a hard time grasping why our space succeeds and they can't cultivate a community. There's nothing wrong with a commercial space but it doesn't start with a focus on the people. It starts with a focus on being profitable which is fine, just not the best way to build a community. It also means that the community comes second to everything else. Starting with a group of people who want to work together and have a good time is great way for a hackerspace to succeed. A slightly different view of the issue FWIW.

-dosman

On Apr 4, 2014, at 12:13 PM, Mark Henderson wrote:

> I have some questions about failed or failing hackerspaces and makerspaces.
> 
> 1.  What are some well known failed spaces to the discussion group, and what caused them to fail?
> 
> 2.  Are there any spaces that are "too big to fail", i.e. too much money is invested in the space - so much so that it has become a disservice to the community instead of an asset?  What are some of the common mistakes that spaces make that keep them from growing or succeeding?
> 
> 3.  Has anyone taken failed models and used them as sort of a "this is what not to do" list?  Where could I source that info?
> 
> 4.  For people new to this industry, what are some of the common newcomer mistakes in starting up a makerspace/hackerspace that you would have liked to been made aware of so you could have avoided them and saved yourself a massive headache?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Mark Henderson
> 
> 
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