Archiv:About Metalab
Wha?
This is our entry for the Hackerspaces book, which will be released around 25C3. It will probably also serve as the default site for english visitors.
General Information
Hackerspace name: Metalab
Hackerspace tagline: The viennese Hackerspace (???)
Hackerspace website: http://metalab.at
Hackerspace contact email (this might be you): core on metalab.at
Questions
Tell the story of the beginning of the hackerspace. How did you come up with the idea? How did you choose the name of your hackerspace? What was your original vision?
plz einfüllen
What are some obstacles that you had to overcome at the beginning of your hackerspace when you were just getting started?
- to get critical mass. most people only believe what they see. So the think everything that does not exist yet is impossible. In an important first meeting when we decided to rent the room we were about 30-40 people. without this mass it would have been risky financially.
- To organize the basics like the real world space you have to rent. The wiki was extremely helpfull allready in this phase beacause we did the scouting via wiki. if someone found an interesting location he would set up a wiki page with the specs and then we would organize meeting with the FIXME vermieter.
- We built up the infrastructure as power outlets, the kitchen, the floor while we were already in the building wich leads to an endless sokoban game. It was unavoidable since we did not have the financial power to do everything at once but if you can fix the basic infrastructure before you move in completely.
- Organisation again: It took a long time till we had infrastructure for such things as membership administrations and FIXME automatische bankeinzug. Usually nobody wants to do this "boring" stuff. Everybudy wants to hack or slack but this organization is important.
Describe your hackerspace. What do visitors to the space notice that is special about the space? What kind of tools and resources do you have at the space?
People will note that its a very creative space. Self bult machines, huge drawings on the walls, whiteboards where people express their thoughts. Many details that refer to the culture we all grew up with. FIXME muss noch mehr werden
How often do you meet? What happens at these meetings?
Our orga team (which is not clearly defined, so everyone can join and take up tasks) currently meets monthly to discuss matters relevant to the whole hackerspace, like current and future renovation projects and equipment purchases.
We have multiple special interest groups, which, of course, meet more regularly.
Describe a disaster that occurred in your hackerspace. (flood, lightning, accident or some such thing)
While renovating the lounge and drilling holes in the floor, we damaged the underfloor heating, resulting in water coming out of the hole. Luckily, this heating system is low-pressure...
(any "better" [= more spectacular] accidents? anyone?)
What are some things that have come out of your hackerspace that you are most proud of?
There's of course the Led Matrix, a 72x48 blue led matrix. We have a twitter-enabled Fridge and a constantly-evolving RepRap. This was also the place where, among others, Soup, a "personal publishing" startup, and GRL Vienna were founded.
Was there anything that you did that was essential to the start of your hackerspace? Do you have any advice for people who might be thinking of starting a hackerspace?
BONUS POINTS
- Get members to tell a story or recount an adventure associated with the beginning of your hackerspac
- Draw a floor diagram.
- Include a manifesto.
checklist =
- Info: The basics filled in above.
- Text: About 500 words answering the questions above.
- Photos: 5 or more photos of your hackerspace.
- Logo: The logo of your hackerspace (svg)
Thanks! Please send all of this back to bre@hackerspaces.org and astera@hackerspaces.org and book@hackerspaces.org
This project is going to be awesome! We really cannot wait for your reply!
Bre Pettis NYCResistor
