[Noisebridge-discuss] Charging for classes at Noisebridge

[Sai Emrys]

I think others have already covered most of my thoughts. (Summary:
nothing wrong with charging; getting paid, or giving perks, is more
tricky.)

One thing to consider: profit-making entities cannot use Noisebridge
resources (including the space, which is paid for by Noisebridge in
rent) except if:
a) benefiting that class of entity financially is explicitly part of
Noisebridge's charitable mission (analogy: soup kitchens give stuff to
poor people, but that's OK because that's the whole point)
b) they are paying fair rent to Noisebridge in exchange for the use of
the space.

Even b) is a bit problematic because it could potentially fall into
"for-profit activity" (albeit a "related" one, since it's still
community education), which is something that as a non-profit,
Noisebridge is only allowed to do in very restricted ways - and which
may be subject to tax. (Here again, consult a tax pro 'cause the
details are crazily niggly.)


Avoiding these issues is why I think it'd be a rather better policy,
if there's money involved, for it to be restricted to
a) compensating people for the actual cost of goods they share (e.g.
for the cooking class, the teacher shouldn't have to bear the costs of
ingredients out of pocket), and/or
b) donations directly to Noisebridge

I think a) is an obvious yes - do that if you're not in a position
financially to just shoulder the cost in addition to donating your
time. I don't think we should put undue burden on people who are
already willing to contribute something.

b) is more a question of behavioral economics. It's a tradeoff of
commitment vs accessibility, per previous discussion. That's a value
judgment that I think individuals should make.

HTH,
- Sai