Mailing list FAQ

This is the mailing list FAQ please read it before posting, if your question is answered here please don't ask again, if you only want to clarify a point it's probably quicker (and easier) to check on IRC. It's also worth checking these pages first:

• Really general info: wikipedia
• Becoming a member or joining
• Getting started
• Our equipment
• Our projects

WARNING: the list, like all mailing lists, does have trolls. If you attract them it's best to stand still and await rescue. If you are not rescued quickly re-read what you've written and figure out how you've managed to stir up them up (checking the archive is a good start, so is a quick search of this website).

The trolls are generally harmless but can be dangerous if overfed.

FAQs are bad - please help move this information to a more appropriate place.

Mailing Lists

I've just joined the list, why aren't my posts appearing?

New members will have their first post moderated. Please be patient.

About the space

I'm a member now, how do I get a storage box?

You pick it up. In the members storage area there is a pile of empty unmarked boxes, claim one, pick a lid, put your name on it and then put it on a shelf. Congratulations! you now have storage. If you can't find any empty boxes or there is no space for you box ask for help, sometimes the boxes end up hidden or some shelf space can be found. If you use the last bit of reasonable space on the shelving or the last box (or if either one or the other have run out) please email the list so we can order more.

Will people mind if I leave my server/my stuff/torrent/run my office in the space?

We provide infrastructure for people to make stuff and share knowledge. We're not one of these:

• internet cafe
• storage provider
• hosting company
• coworking space
• jobs agency

There are companies that do these things as a business, and have advantages of scale and paying customers that we don't have.

That said, it's unlikely that anyone will mind you (for example) downloading a driver, or spending an afternoon working "from home" on your laptop if your internet's broken. Just put an extra donation in the jar to make up for it. If in doubt, ask the list.

Getting rid of stuff

I have X, does the space want it?

maybe, in general ask the space but please remember:

• To first consult the guide on bringing items to the space.
• We're not a museum, we don't exist to keep stuff just because it's cool (although we wish we could)
• We're not a storage company, if you just want somewhere to store things then please either keep it at home or expect others to use it at the space (unless it's in your storage box, obviously.)
• If you're lending/giving equipment: thank you! Remember though that tools will be used (a lot and not always as carefully as you might) so think carefully and make a page for it so people know how to use it and what should be with it (eg manuals, chucks etc). If necessary run a workshop on it.
• Raw materials: are useful but only those that are actually useful, chunks of chipboard are not useful.
• Things you're throwing out that others may want: give a shout out on the list but remember we also have a SwapShop for this so post it on there. Additionally make sure you arrange exchange of the item, as "I'll leave it in the space for you" is very vague and will likely end up with it being thrown out and/or hacked try something more like "I'll put it next to my box with your name on it".
• Computers/computer bits: we have a lot; feel free to offer it on the list/SwapShop in case someone wants it but for the space itself we're probably ok.

I have X does anyone want it?

Quite possibly but we have a system for this: the SwapShop. Feel free to add yourself to it (click the 'edit' tab at the top of the page). New additions to the swapshop are included in the weekly News. Another option to the swapshop is to use freecycle.

Community

Can someone run a workshop on X

If you want to see a particular workshop add it to the request list. If you can propose what you would like to learn about the topic (eg biohacking: do you want to know about all of it or just making biofuel?), if there is anyone that you know who can teach it (always good to check with them first), how long you want the workshop to be (5 minute lightening talk or 2 day marathon?) and any other information that you have on the topic. In general the more organisation you do the more likely it is that the workshop will happen (see rule 4).