Hey @k00b, and anyone else affiliated with PlebLab or other hacker spaces around the world...What advice do you have for me for building my own hacker space? As soon as we moon and I can afford it, this will be the first thing I spend some of my bitcoin on. I will be setting up shop in NH, USA. I am very excited about this and have one million questions...but I'll wait for some initial responses to lead the way in this discussion. Thank you!!
be brutally online to build your community, be consistent with weekly programming, write a code of ethics/principles/values that are strong and immoveable to shape the space you create, be relentlessly transparent, have fun these things seem to be integral from what I know of Pleb Lab
reply
would echo everything @plebpoet said, if you have any more questions, feel free to email at hello@pleblab.com we've helped 5 spaces since 2021 get up and running
reply
thank you for sharing this!! I appreciate it
reply
I asked a friend of mine who built a thriving Hackerspace in Europe for some advice. Note that Bitcoin is not the core focus there, but I think there are some transferrable items of value, along with some of my own ideas:
  • Location: Find a good location that is accessible by public transportation. Make sure the space is flexible for meetings, workshops, and events.
  • Incorporate: Limit your personal liability. My friend made their Hackspace a non-profit. There are legal and accounting items that need to be factored.
  • Infrastructure: High speed Internet is of course a must. Set up a full verification node within the space. Possibly some mining rigs as well (noise dampening is important). Consider a Lightning node. Secure storage for hardware wallets.
  • Security: Strong physical and digital security measures. Educate members on best practices for securing their Bitcoin and personal info.
  • Community: Organize meetups, hackathons, and workshops to engage the community. Make it inclusive and welcoming.
  • Education: Provide resources on Bitcoin, blockchain, cybersecurity. Maybe put a small library in there and fill it with relevant books. Invite and host guest speakers and experts to give talks and seminars.
  • Engage a lawyer to understand and mitigate risks.
  • Funding: Explore funding options like membership fees, sponsorships, and grants. Plan for long-term sustainability, budgeting, and financial management.
  • Partnerships: Establish collaboration with Bitcoin related organizations. Make your space a hub for gathering like minded people. Network with leading voices in the Bitcoin community to provide mentorship and support for members.
  • Marketing: Promote the hackerspace on social media. Consider a territory right here on @sn. Highlight success stories and projects to attract new members and sponsors.
  • Feedback: Gather feedback from members and guests after every event in order to continuously improve performance. Stay current with Bitcoin developments and news to keep the hackerspace relevant and innovative.
Good luck with your endeavor.
reply
thank you so much fort his extensive write up! And for your well wishes
reply
Build it and they will come.
reply
I am 100% building this haha. I'm just looking for some advice from those who have done something similar! Thanks
reply
Do you know any other prospective bitcoin entrepreneurs in your area?
If not I suggest you go to a local bitcoin meetup and see if there is anyone else in your situation that wants to build something and needs a small space to work on it.
reply
I like NH. Their license plates....live free or die.
reply
reply
@premitive1I'd love for you to weigh in on this too buddy!
reply
Just do it!
reply
I will be doing it for sure! Do you have any advice?
reply