[Noisebridge-discuss] Closing the space/Being excellent

Mitchel McAllister xonimmortal at yahoo.com
Sun Oct 21 05:32:28 UTC 2012


The line "Credit is not due to those who do good deeds" is troubling. Perhaps this should more properly be addressed on the SocEng list. But if credit is not due them, then to whom is it due? Those that do evil, or those who do nothing? That's seems counter-intuitive.

One of the power users turned to me a few minutes ago, and said "You know it would be nice to be thanked, just once." When I am in the space, and I see others doing things like this, I make sure to stop and thank them.

As we were trying to put Noisebridge into some semblance of order just now, not one member got off their butts to help. As a matter of fact, one member refused to move so that we could move things.

If either of the proposed policies (although I see none of the members proposing them have added them to the agenda) comes to pass, when do you suppose the space will get cleaned or straightened up?

What I am seeing, frankly, are policies proposed as if they will never affect a human being, never have negative consequences, as if the policies are so perfect that all outcomes lead to Nirvana. Seriously, none of us are that smart.

- Reverend Mik
[censored, spindled and mutilated]

--- On Sat, 10/20/12, Eric W. Rasmussen <ewr at majortek.com> wrote:

From: Eric W. Rasmussen <ewr at majortek.com>
Subject: Re: [Noisebridge-discuss] Closing the space/Being excellent
To: noisebridge-discuss at lists.noisebridge.net
Date: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 9:44 PM


  

    
  
  
    You've made some excellent points but your last comment was passive
    aggressive.

    

    I am not a member because I can not afford to be one. If I had $80 a
    month, I would gladly give it. However, being a Power User does not
    exclude me from taking on the role of Member.

    

    Noisebridge does not have leadership. This is a Do-ocracy.

    

    If you see a problem, fix it. Use the materials available.
    Improvise. This is the "Maker" mantra. Credit is not due to those
    that perform good deeds. No one is looked upon with a higher
    gratitude because they help others.

    

    Noisebridge is altruism.

    

    If someone wants to paint and there are haters, fuck them. If
    someone wants to use the kitchen and there are haters, fuck them. If
    someone is giving false information, intervene. Give tours when
    needed.

    

    You love Noisebridge, right? Take ownership.

    

    

    On 10/20/2012 09:03 PM, Mitchel
      McAllister wrote:

    
    
      
        
          
            I've been sharing
              what's being discussed by a few regulars in the space, or
              as Danny called us once, "power users".

              

              Understand that these are people who regularly chip in to
              clean up or get things put into a semblence of order
              (especially after events). We wash dishes, we take the
              trash out, we bring the bins back in, we sweep the
              floors... We try to not make waves, we try to help out
              when we can. And right now, a couple of us have been
              assisting Cliff in painting the space.

              

              Yet, a few minutes or an hour after we do things like
              this, someone will stomp through the space, talking loudly
              about how "those people" need to be kicked out because
              "those people" never do a damned thing around the space.

              

              Most of the people jumping in to fix computers or other
              gadgets brought in by visitors in the past two months have
              been "power users". Throughout the day, evening, and
              night, there are often times where there are no members
              present - no members to welcome newcomers, no members to
              give visitors tours.

              

              Some of the other "power users" feel that they can't come
              to the meetings to discuss things that are going on. They
              feel that they aren't allowed to speak up, because they're
              not members. They feel they shouldn't "bother" members by
              joining conversations.

              

              And I have heard several people giving out incorrect or
              misleading information on how to become a member. "You
              have to collaborate on a couple projects with real members
              before you're allowed to put in an application," has been
              one I've heard several times.

              

              The amount of pure shit that happens when there are no
              members present, or when members are sequestered off by
              themselves, is alarming. But if members don't approach
              visitors or "power users" and actively solicit feedback,
              get involved in discussions, or at least try to get to
              know them, it will continue, and probably get worse.

              

              Yes, I know, I am considered a troll on the discussion
              list. And because I am a troll, nothing I have said has
              any relevance or value. After all, it's easier to dismiss
              me as a troll than actually consider any points I may have
              made.

              

              - Reverend Mik

              It is impossible to wage war or commit violence,
              unless you first prove the other party is less human than
              you are. - Shane Vassad

            
          
        
      
      

      
      

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