The Bodgery Wiki

Since we get asked this fairly often, we thought we'd write down some key points. We'll keep updating this as new questions roll in…

First off, brilliant idea! This has been really rewarding and fun for us. And your community will benefit greatly from this resource you're creating.

⇒ To get started, do your research online. Search the term “makerspace” or “hackerspace”, utilize the lists of worldwide spaces, and browse their websites. Wonder at the creativity of mortals.

⇒ There are many different models, styles, and community dynamics they're responding to. Find your favorite(s), take notes on key elements you liked, read their wikis if they have them. There's no shame in borrowing, especially if you hybridize and modify it to fit your circumstances. We borrowed heavily from i3 Detroit, LVL1 in Louisville, and the Milwaukee Makerspace, and they've been incredibly generous and helpful to us.

⇒ Now go visit other spaces. There's nothing like walking around them talking with their members to get a deeper sense of what a place is like. Try to visit during their normal open hours, as people are busy. If you want to talk with board members or founders, ask them in advance via email/contact forms. Consider bringing a small donation for their time.

⇒ Turn your notes, photos, and links into an outline. Sketch it. Assemble useful documents (bylaws, policies, forms, etc) in a folder. You're welcome to use our bylaws, standing rules, and forms - all are on this wiki.

⇒ Start talking with other people. Create a MeetUp group, or add an event to an existing one. Hang flyers, create a FB page. Meet regularly in a library, coffee shop, etc. Teach a few workshops to generate interest. Reach out to community leaders and talk about your idea. Build allies with your ideas.

⇒ Keep an eye out for board members. People that show up regularly. Hopefully a few with resources or skills that are useful. Most importantly - positive, constructive, and flexible people that are averse to drama. Avoid know-it-all types and people who need to control things to be comfortable.

⇒ Have the board figure out a name for the makerspace. Reserve that name all over the web: buy the domain, set up a contact email at that domain, get a FB/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube account in that name, etc.

⇒ Figure out your “asks”: inexpensive rent, certain tools, referrals to other leaders. The best approach is to ask for nothing but advice at first. Especially in the beginning, finding and nurturing allies is the most important goal. Once they want you to succeed, enlist their help in checking off your wish list.

⇒ File incorporation paperwork in your state. If you plan on being non-profit, ask which type is best suited for that. LLC is not always your best bet in that case. Once you have that, open up a business account at your credit union or bank.

⇒ If you want to be non-profit, file a 1023 form with the IRS, and ideally the 1023-EZ form. Very straightforward, expedited approval. Took us 2 weeks to get approved! Search the GuideStar Directory for maker/hackerspaces, and see what IRS codes (they call it “Category”) are used.

⇒ Fundraise for your first rent. Kickstarter is difficult for this circumstance, so consider asking people to start paying monthly “dues” now - which goes into your bank account for the first few months' rent, utilities, etc. Ask those community allies for advice on fundraising. There are professionals who do this - ask their advice.

⇒ Don't make a deal that you'll regret later, just to get into a space sooner. That'll bite you later. Be patient until the right circumstance happens.

⇒ Oddly, walk-in traffic isn't necessarily a good thing. A billboard is actually better than a storefront - you don't want to be constantly interrupted to give tours, most of whom are just curious and won't become members. Set regular public hours for visits and tours, and keep the other time for making things in your makerspace!

• We've found that most times, people walk in wanting to be members. If they like the place, they'll sign up immediately about 90% of the time. We've had long-time guests that gradually decide to become members, but mostly people know they want that level of access when they first arrive.

⇒ Install an RFID door lock asap. Keys suck to deal with as members come and go. With an RFID system (run by a Raspberry Pi, checking RFID numbers against a list, and sending a 10-second “open” signal to a magnetic lock), you can easily switch off someone's keyfob and never have to chase them to return a key, or worry about copies manifesting out there somewhere. Worth every penny.

☆ A key feature in our model is the “guest makers welcome” policy. We want people to show up, use (most of) our tools, have access to materials, and make stuff with us. No pressure to join as paying members, ever. Instead of forcing people to be members to make things, we offer bait/incentives to join - a keyfob for 24/7 access, storage space, access to all the tools, voting rights, workshop discounts, etc. This way, both guests and members feel like they're getting a deal, and we all come together to make things.

• We hold two “Open Shop” nights each week. The public is welcome, as we have members there to give tours, answer questions, keep an eye on things, check people off on tools, etc. We also hold monthly MeetUps around topics, and workshops that are open to the public.
• Guests are welcome to use most of our tools, and reasonable amounts of materials. We have donation boxes around the shop, and leave it up to them.
• We have green, yellow, and red-tagged tools.
  • Green tools are straightforward to use, often hand tools. Anyone can use them.
  • Yellow tools require a check-off before using. These are power tools, and easier machines. Both guests and members can use them.
  • Red tools are the most tricky, dangerous, and easily damaged tools. They require either a class before using, or a fairly lengthy one-on-one training. Guests are welcome to use red-tagged tools during a class, but outside that, only members may use them regularly.

☆ We work hard at being friendly to visitors, and welcoming to all skill-levels. Too often groups of skilled people can (unconsciously) create an atmosphere of exclusivity or “you need to earn my respect”. We all bring gifts and skills, regardless of what we happen to know about Topic X. Our niche demographic is the part-timers, the tinkerers, and hobbyists.

• As a makerspace co-founded by a woman, being welcoming and non-pedantic towards women is very important to us. This means expecting women to be interested in all areas of the shop, supporting their learning needs without talking down, and valuing traditionally female areas like crafts as much as any other area.

☆ We've adopted the “Do-ocracy” model. People can talk all day about what “you should” do, and give lots of advice about a better way to do something. The people that actually do something win. Whether that's rearranging an area, building something for the space, or starting something new, please go ahead and make it better for all of us.

• If it's a big change, it's courteous to send out an email to the member list with a heads up. If you're modifying a shop area (metal working, wood shop, craft, electronics, etc), definitely let the Area Captains know. But there is value to things being accomplished.

What are your biggest challenges?

Avoiding a burned-out (volunteer) board, and keeping up consistent promotion/marketing efforts. It's a slog. Luckily, it's a labor of love.

Let us know how it goes!