FAQ

What is a hackerspace?

A hackerspace is a physical location for individuals from all different backgrounds and professions gather to collaborate, socialize, work on projects, and make things. More than 350 hackerspaces worldwide have registered with hackerspaces.org, the official website for hackerspaces. Some have been established for several years, while some are still in the early planning stages– like us!

As a part of the larger hackerspace community, we are part of a growing movement to expand, rethink, and refactor technology in a creative and interesting ways. Being a part of the large, worldwide hackerspace community allows our organization the ability to expand and connect with like minds globally, from collaborating on projects to attending and supporting virtual and physical events sponsored by other hackerspaces.

I don’t really consider myself a “hacker.” Will I fit in?

The term hacker has a pretty bad reputation these days. We are working to change that. Hackers, by our definition, are people who are interested in learning all they can about the fields that interest them, explore the bounds of those interests, and create new and interesting ways to apply that knowledge. We are looking for hackers of all kinds, with diverse backgrounds and interests. There are no requirements for background knowledge. You do not need to be an expert in any given area of computing, science, mathematics, or art. In order for such an environment to thrive, we do require, at minimum, honesty, respect, and an open-mind.

How can I get involved in the hackerspace?

If the idea of a hackerspace interests you, we welcome you to become involved in our new community. We are in the early stages of development, and we do not currently have a physical location. We are looking for prospective members to devote free time to helping with the following:

  • Forming the organization (LLC or non-profit corp, TBD)
  • Researching physical locations, contacting landlords and realtors for showings
  • Setting up technical and organizational infrastructure
  • Promotion – fliers, outreach, media: designers needed!
  • Recruiting – potential members & local business sponsorships
  • Show & Tell – come to our meetups and share your existing or upcoming projects and ideas.
  • Give a Presentation – if you have presentations over 15 minutes, Contact us. We’ll allot a time slot for you at an upcoming meeting.
  • Can’t make the meetings? Discuss your ideas on irc.freenode.net: #trihack

How Will the Hackerspace Be Funded?

Once we have established a physical location, members who are passionate about supporting the organization and utilizing the physical location will be asked to pay dues of $30-50/month, TBD. Discounted memberships will be available for students, employees of sponsoring businesses, etc. Dues payments are not required to visit or participate in hackerspace workshops or events. Dues-paying members will enjoy additional benefits for supporting the sustenance of the hackerspace, detailed below.

How will I benefit from being a dues-paying member?

  • 24×7 access to the physical space
  • Invitation to every hackerspace event (classes, parties, outings)
  • Discounted or free classes and workshops (minus materials fees)
  • Dedicated space to keep your personal projects and equipment
  • Access to meeting space (conference room) to hold meetings, free of charge
  • Discounts to local organizations that have partnered with us
  • Voting rights for where money should be spent, how the space should look, and other general decisions made by the group

Non-dues paying participants are welcome to attend meetings, visit the hackerspace during open hours, and participate in workshops and events scheduled to the public.

How Else Can I Help?

Come to our meetings! Help us out in our early stages of development. We are relying on the support of those who wish to see a hackerspace in the triangle. Once we have a physical location, we will welcome equipment donations that are useful to our members and our space. You can find a list of items we are currently looking to acquire on our wiki. You can also donate to the start-up fund for the Triangle Hackerspace here. All donations will go towards obtaining a physical space.