Orientation

This is a page to develop ideas for an induction programme for new members and a re-orientation programme for old members

What the London Hackspace is/isn't

IS

• A community

The hackspace is a social group first : it can't exist without a number of people working together to finance and maintain it. If the community doesn't prosper, neither will the hackspace.

• Your community

You can't benefit from a community without contributing to it. Not just financially, but in creating goodwill, pooling your skills and knowledge and doing your bit in maintenance and repair.

ISN'T

• This building

This is the fourth building used by the hackspace. Only a tiny fraction of members can be present at a time : the real hackspace community is composed of everyone helping pay and organise it. The people online have just as much right to an opinion as those in the physical workshop.

• Tool library

One of the aims of the hackspace is to provide tools that would not be economical for a person to own personally, either because of their cost, or in justifying their storage space. But the tools have to be available - not lent out to someone. Please don't take any hackspace tools off the premises, and always put them back in the proper place when you have finished your job.

• Co-working space

You can conduct commercial business from the hackspace, using the space, tools and other facilities. But you can't monopolise seats or tables over other users, you can't register a company address there, you can't set up a special area just for your work, and you can't spend long periods on the phone, disturbing other members.

• Free Wifi cafe

You're welcome to bring individual friends into the hackspace, show them the facilities and stay to chat. But don't overdo it - a regular table full of visitors who aren't members will unfairly monopolise space and cause distraction for legitimate users. Be considerate.

• Your home

Other people with different levels of comfort, cleanliness, and decorum are using the space alongside you. This isn't your home, this is a community you are a part of.

Rules and Expected Behaviour

6. There is no rule 6.

The Workshop

• Basic safety
• Tool use and care