Andrew's thoughts

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Revision as of 00:51, 30 November 2010 by Andrew (talk | contribs) (quick sketch of my thoughts)
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Meeting

Initially we should meet once a week (or perhaps once every two weeks - but no longer than that!) at some bar/coffee shop/etc to discuss our plans and get things rolling. Two major items that should be discussed every time we meet are money and space. They seem to be the foundation of everything else, and these two, along with a sustainable plan is key to success. *thrust*

Money

We need to get a rough (or even better, precise) figure on how much money we need both to start this project, and how much we need to sustain it. Here are my thoughts/estimates which may be way off:

  • Monthly expenses:
    • Rent: $2000-4000 (based on a couple quick kijiji searches)
    • Insurance: $200 (I picked this one from a hat so to speak)
    • Internets: $50

That brings us to around a $2250 / month operating budget at minimum.

Now in order to start we need:

  • first month's budget
  • 3 more months at least
  • a sustainable plan to keep having at least a 3 month buffer in our bank account

So we have 4 * 2250 = 9000 so let's say to kick-start this thing we might need around $10k initially.

Sustainable income

The only real sustainable income I can think of right now is member dues. Assuming a $2250/month operating budget, that means at 20 people (which seems to be the minimum number based on ron's discussions at metalab, and I've read similar elsewhere), each person would need to pay $112.50/month in membership dues, and we would need to keep all 20 members around forever.

Right now, 20 people sounds like a LOT. Likewise, $100/month membership dues also sounds like a LOT. Unless my numbers are way off (which is possible), then we need to come up with some better ideas in order to keep this sustainable. Some other possible income sources that are sustainable:

  • Sale of beverages/snacks/food (This might be negligible as if we do too much of a markup people simply won't buy them from us)
  • Some kind of ongoing sponsorship
    • Something like les.net giving us free internets in exchange for a banner drop. Not directly income but it would help.
    • ??????

Space

Before we start looking for suitable space, we will need to define what exactly suitable means. Here's my list (which may be way off/silly/whatever, just off the top of my head) Also this is an 'ideals' list, some things might not be particularly possible/practical:

  • 800 sq. feet MINIMUM (think small hangout area and small work area) ideally something like a 2000 sq feet+:
    • hangout area (couches, board game table, maybe a tv+xbox/etc)
    • work area (work bench, soldering stuff, well lit)
    • kitchen area (microwave, fridge, cleaning supplies, sink)
    • washroom (private with shower)
    • lab area (computers & desks)
  • good electrical, access to breaker box (do we *require* grounded plugs? lots of old buildings don't have?)
  • internets-able (phone line for les.net dsl)
  • 24 hour access for 20+ people
    • Everyone gets their own key, might be expensive for crazy key systems, something to watch out for
  • heated for winter
  • air conditioned for summer
  • we need to be able to control our entire space's heat/AC temperatures
  • windows!!!
    • Also required for plants
  • roll-up warehouse style door
  • private washroom
  • nearby 24 hour parking
  • decent bus routes
  • good neighbors (well, tolerable neighbors)
  • fire suppression system
  • alarm/alarm-able