XERXES · 2023-07-18 09:04
I would like to create a local physical cypherpunk-focused community in my city, a place where one could hang out, use a 3D printer, work on a bug bounty with others, practice CTFs. A hackerspace, if you will. How could I achieve that? The focus is on cypherpunk of couse.
Motoko Kusanagi · 2023-07-18 10:35
I applaud your initiative, if you're serious.
You're going to need a fair bit of money that you're willing to never see again. Otherwise, you could maybe petition the local government for funds or grants, but if they grant you funding you'll probably have your hands tied in some way bureaucratically. I would advise against larping in an abandoned building, nobody respectable is going to want to hang out there for long unless it's exceptionally well put together, but at that point you may as well just spend money instead of time.
Then you have to develop the culture, and the process here would depend on the thing you're trying to cultivate.
The unfortunate thing about this kind of culture (see: l0pht hackerspace of history) is that eventually everyone grows up and leaves. Further, a good hackerspace is really a product of an economically well-off period, with plentiful junk, time, money, trust: not our current times.
Are you serious about this?
Spike Spiegel · 2023-07-18 12:14
>>36982
Well, I've had the intention for some years now and I want to have a community of like-minded people around me, but I might have to leave the place because I don't want to be drafted to the military. I've had a hackerspace in my city but just as you said they grew up and split into their own projects. It is also hard to find money for the cause. Not that I'm not willing to part with the money to see my local community grow, but I barely have money for myself and my own projects. Suppose I have to find some commercial sponsors because government sponsorship is like drugs: it takes a lot more than it gives.
Bobby Newmark · 2023-07-18 12:41
I think finding and keeping good people is the bigger problem than i.e. finding and renting commercial space. getting tools is also a bit of an issue depending, but if you have the people they'll have some tools and know where to get more, etc etc.
do you know good people in your area happy to partake?
Judge Fang · 2023-07-18 12:48
>>36987
yes, I am in OPs area and would be happy to partake.
Anamika · 2023-07-18 13:03
>>36987
I could try advertising to CTF participants. Everyone I knew that would share my mindset had left my area, so I have to find new ones.
Incognito · 2023-07-18 20:12
Try to have talks and workshops fairly regularly to draw in people. Advertise the local universities' computer science building. Advertise at the local hobbyist electronics shops, if you have any. Good luck, lain
Delilah · 2023-07-19 16:16
I think it's a fun idea, but not necessarily a good one considering the subculture is already kinda niche at best, so outside of a major city you probably won't get that many patrons. Even less so outside America.
Still, that shouldn't discourage you since, again, it's a fun idea and the novelty alone might draw people in, but you should also think about exactly how your business (and yeah I know you called it a 'comminity', but it IS a business) will turn a profit, since, unless you plan on squatting in an abandoned building, there are these stupid fuarrrking retarded things called "taxes" and "rent" that must be paid, not to mention maintenance and the wages of anyone you hire to help you run the place. Probably the simplest thing would be a bar or cafe or restaurant of sorts where the other stuff you mentioned are additional services and/or gimmicks (and I would definitely not be opposed to a cyber cafe in my area) but, again, give it a lot of thought since it's going to be the main way you stay in business, let alone have anything left over with which to eat and pay your bills and all of those ridiculous things we have to do to not die. But, regardless, good luck OP.
Arisu Mizuki · 2023-07-19 16:39
Depending on how cheap you wanna go, you can setup a spare bedroom, if you don't mind people coming over to your house. If that's not accessible Office space is really expensive think (5k-20k if in the US) if might be worth it to find a cheap ass studio apartment and call it good there.
There a two ways really to get funding. The convention way 501c3 and get corp's to throw money (easier than you think if all your asking is something small, Although it's lot of cold calling and e-begging), or getting friends to all chip in via club fee's.