Frequently asked questions: Difference between revisions

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== What are the facilities? ==
==What is Protospace?==


We have 2 bays, usually called 'The Space', at [http://goo.gl/maps/Z4NCn #108 1530 27 Ave NE Calgary]
Protospace is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackerspace Makerspace], which is a physical place like a library or a gym where members can go to collaborate, learn, and use tools and equipment not normally available to individual artists or hobbyists, especially in urban centers.


== Equipment and materials ==
==Equipment and materials==


Well, we maintain a list of [[Tools We Have]] as well as a handy look up for places to [[Where_to_source_tools_and_materials | source materials]]
Protospace is always acquiring new tools, but we currently maintain:


== What are the open hours? ==
*3D printers
*Laser cutters
*Metal Lathe and Mill
*Welders
*Full wood shop with dust collection
*Electronics repair tools


Open to the public? Well we host a "Meet & Geek" open house every Tuesday night (after 7pm), which is also the weekly social event for Members. Guests are welcome to show up then and see the space, bring their own projects, stop and ask anyone what they're working on, solicit some feedback or share ideas, or get a tour or sign up for their own membership.
And more!


Open, for Members to use? 24/7. There are no noise restrictions so you can run tools as late or early as you please.  If you are a Probationary Member, then you can come whenever you can convince someone else to show up and sponsor you to be at the space.
==When can I visit/What are the open hours==


== What is the sign up process? ==
Open to the public.
We host a "Meet & Geek" open house every Tuesday night from 19:00 to 21:00
Visitors are welcome to come and tour the space, socialize, get some feedback or share ideas - as well as sign up for their own membership.


The best way to find out how Protospace works is drop by one of our open house nights -- held every Tuesday, beginning at 7. You can meet people, have a tour, see things in action, find out how it works, and get your questions answered.
Open for Members
24/7. If you are a Probationary Member, you can come to the space any time there's a vetted "full" member present who is willing to host guests.


After you know about Protospace, come by any open house and fill out a membership form. Once you've submitted an application, and paid your first dues, you can enjoy a probationary or trial membership. During this trial period, meet more people, try stuff out, and take care the other details (like attending a New Member orientation), so that you can become a vetted keyholder. You can find out all of the details about signing up at an open house!
==What is the sign up process?==


== Who is it suited to? ==
#Visit Protospace (usually on a Tuesday evening)
#Get a tour and ask to sign up
#Fill out our Membership form
#Pay your first dues (Paypal or credit card at the space)
#Take the New Member Orientation course (about 1hr on safety and rules)
#Get two vetted members to vouch for you and sign your form
#Get vetted (A short introduction to the membership and chance for them to ask you a few questions)
#Get a keycard


Anyone who likes to make, tinker, experiment, or learn.
At this point, you are a full member. Some tools will need additional training before you can use them; We offer this training as often as we can.


== Who is it not suited to? ==
*Make stuff!


People who are not excellent to others.
==How much does it cost?==


== What training (safety, etc) do you need? ==
Our membership rate is $55 per month.
A subsidized rate of $35 is available to students and those in need.


Protospace offers a number of member-to-member courses, classes, seminars and workshops, generally led by volunteers. Most of these are either about our tools, or about the skills need to make things with our tools. You can see the list of current classes at https://my.protospace.ca/school.
On sign-up, new members can pay 2 months' dues and receive a third month free.
Up-front annual payments can also be made for the cost of 11 months, the 12th free.


== What are the membership options? ==
==How can I pay?==


A Keyholder is a vetted member, sometimes called a "full" member with 24x7 access to the space. A subsidized rate is available for students and other with limited income.
[[Set up a payment]]


For those people who never come on their own, but want to come with their "friend" who is a member, a "Friend Membership" is available. Friend Members do not get an access card or storage shelf, and must be accompanied by a keyholder at all times.
==Is there a minimum membership term or signup fee?==


== Is there a minimum membership term? ==
No, there is no minimum time or "contract". However, we do not offer "drop in" or "single month" memberships, as our expenses are fixed - you can suspend your membership temporarily once a year, but if you terminate your membership and wish to rejoin, you will have to re-take training and vetting as procedures change


No, there is no minimum time or "contract". However, we do not offer "drop in" or "single month" memberships -- if you chose to stop being a member, you must go through the one month Probationary period again, to rejoin. (We allow a "vacation period" annually if requested).
==How do I suspend my membership?==


== Schedule of events/training/regular meet up times/etc ==
Email directors@protospace.ca to go on "vacation" status


The calendar on the main web site is kept fairly up-to-date. Dates of training events are also on the "school" section of my.protospace.ca. Other than that, monitoring the "protospace-discuss" Google group is probably the best way to hear what's going on.
==I didn't use the space at all last month, do I still have to pay my dues?==


== How do you get involved? (and not feel like an outsider) ==
Yes


Lots of people often fish on the mailing list for help on projects.  Often at times you can come to a Tuesday Meet & Geek and people will be spitballing ideas and they turn into projects.  Be a spitballer.
==Where can I see the class and event schedule?==


== How to gain entry/security/keys ==
https://my.protospace.ca/classes shows our upcoming courses.
For other events, keep an eye on the Protospace  to hear what's going on.


You need to be [[FAQ#What_is_the_sign_up_process.3F|a Full Member]]
==How do I get involved? (and not feel like an outsider)==


== Can I use all of the equipment? ==
Lots of people often fish on the mailing list for help on projects.  Often at times you can come to a Tuesday Meet & Geek and people will be spitballing ideas and they turn into projects. Be a spitballer.
 
Anything that doesn't require training is available to you after you complete the New Member Orientation and General Safety seminar. Larger, more dangerous or more specialized equipment require training. Generally, these machines are labelled, as well as noted on the [[Tools We Have]] page.


== When can I visit? ==
==Can I use all of the equipment?==


Tuesday evenings are the best time to meet the most people. It is the only scheduled time for public to attend. If this does not work for you, inquire and someone may be willing to give you a tour some other day.
Anything that doesn't require training is available to you after you complete the New Member Orientation and General Safety seminar. Larger, more dangerous or more specialized equipment require training. Generally, these machines are labelled, as well as noted on the [[tools we have]] page.


== If I join, when can I use the space? ==
==Can I store my stuff there or do I have to take it home each time?==


Once you become a vetted keyholder, you can use the space anytime you like, 24x7. For the first month, you will be a Probationary Member and can use the space when accompanied or supervised by a vetted keyholder.  
Full members each get a small shelf for project store.


== How much does it cost? ==
Large projects that need to take up space for multiple days must be pitched to the membership


Our membership rate is $50 per month.
==Does Protospace offer training?==
A subsidized rate of $30 is available to students and those in need.
Protospace does not employ any staff, but many of our members choose to contribute by offering courses - these can be found at https://my.protospace.ca/classes.
You can join as a friend of a keyholder (without your own key or shelf), or as a supporter (donor) for $10 per month or more.
Other members will often be willing to offer guidance or help with your project, but nobody is under any obligation to do so, and it is not acceptable to pressure them or persist if they decline.
 
When you first sign up, if you pay for your first two months together, we'll give you a third month free.
At any time, if you pay for a full year, you get a free month (12 for the price of 11).
 
== How can I pay? ==
 
# Paypal to info@protospace.ca or https://paypal.me/protospace.
# Interac Email Transfer to info@protospace.ca
# Credit card payments through Paypal or Square
# Cash or cheque in person (get a receipt).
# Need another arrangement? Speak to a director.
# Sorry, we cannot accept debit.
 
== Can I store my stuff there or do I have to take it home each time? ==
 
Full members get a shelf.
 
If the space you need is larger than can be fit on the shelf you need to pitch it to the membership as [Large Project Storage]
 
== Will you teach me to ...? ==
 
Depends on who I am.  Depends on what ... is.  Most Protopians will help out if they can.  If they can't they will usually point you at someone who will.  Keep in mind that everyone is there on their own time, do not expect them to drop everything to train or show you something.


If you have a skill you'd like to share with everyone, we can help you get set up to offer a course of your own.
We tend to be a helpful community that is willing to share, teach, and learn. It's reasonable to ask.
We tend to be a helpful community that is willing to share, teach, and learn. It's reasonable to ask.


== Are other people interested in the same things I am? ==
==Are there people interested in (niche interest or pursuit)?==
 
Odds are good.  Probably frighteningly good. 
 
== I have a great idea, but I don't know how to do it, will you help me? ==


Maybe not me, but someone will. Throw up a question on the discussion list and watch the ensuing madness of ideas rushing through the internet towards your email client.
Oh, almost definitely. We have two of every animal.


== Can I make things that I sell? ==
==Can I make things that I sell?==


Sure. If you make use of a machine and it requires consumables or you push it through more than enough wear to cause damage, you will be expected to monetarily compensate the space. Also, we are not a production shop.  You can't reasonably turn Protospace into an assembly facility.  If your production stands in the way of others wanting to reasonably use the space, you may have to answer some hard questions.
Yes. However, you cannot abuse the machines to make a deadline, or monopolize them for hours or days while other members need to use them.
Protospace is a non-profit, community organization powered entirely by volunteers - nobody is making any money to run the place. So, if you use it to make money, you will need to contribute back in some way, either through volunteer effort or donation.


== How can I get more information? ==
==How can I get more information?==


The [FAQ] is a good start :)
Most of our internal discussion happens on our Discourse Forum.


The discussion list on Google Groups is a great way to communicate with members.
[https://forum.protospace.ca Discourse] is a great way to communicate with members.


Coming out to a Meet & Geek will get you introduced to lots of folks.
Coming out to a [[Event calendar|Meet & Geek]] will get you introduced to lots of folks.

Latest revision as of 09:34, 21 October 2021

What is Protospace?

Protospace is a Makerspace, which is a physical place like a library or a gym where members can go to collaborate, learn, and use tools and equipment not normally available to individual artists or hobbyists, especially in urban centers.

Equipment and materials

Protospace is always acquiring new tools, but we currently maintain:

  • 3D printers
  • Laser cutters
  • Metal Lathe and Mill
  • Welders
  • Full wood shop with dust collection
  • Electronics repair tools

And more!

When can I visit/What are the open hours

Open to the public. We host a "Meet & Geek" open house every Tuesday night from 19:00 to 21:00 Visitors are welcome to come and tour the space, socialize, get some feedback or share ideas - as well as sign up for their own membership.

Open for Members 24/7. If you are a Probationary Member, you can come to the space any time there's a vetted "full" member present who is willing to host guests.

What is the sign up process?

  1. Visit Protospace (usually on a Tuesday evening)
  2. Get a tour and ask to sign up
  3. Fill out our Membership form
  4. Pay your first dues (Paypal or credit card at the space)
  5. Take the New Member Orientation course (about 1hr on safety and rules)
  6. Get two vetted members to vouch for you and sign your form
  7. Get vetted (A short introduction to the membership and chance for them to ask you a few questions)
  8. Get a keycard

At this point, you are a full member. Some tools will need additional training before you can use them; We offer this training as often as we can.

  • Make stuff!

How much does it cost?

Our membership rate is $55 per month. A subsidized rate of $35 is available to students and those in need.

On sign-up, new members can pay 2 months' dues and receive a third month free. Up-front annual payments can also be made for the cost of 11 months, the 12th free.

How can I pay?

Set up a payment

Is there a minimum membership term or signup fee?

No, there is no minimum time or "contract". However, we do not offer "drop in" or "single month" memberships, as our expenses are fixed - you can suspend your membership temporarily once a year, but if you terminate your membership and wish to rejoin, you will have to re-take training and vetting as procedures change

How do I suspend my membership?

Email directors@protospace.ca to go on "vacation" status

I didn't use the space at all last month, do I still have to pay my dues?

Yes

Where can I see the class and event schedule?

https://my.protospace.ca/classes shows our upcoming courses. For other events, keep an eye on the Protospace to hear what's going on.

How do I get involved? (and not feel like an outsider)

Lots of people often fish on the mailing list for help on projects. Often at times you can come to a Tuesday Meet & Geek and people will be spitballing ideas and they turn into projects. Be a spitballer.

Can I use all of the equipment?

Anything that doesn't require training is available to you after you complete the New Member Orientation and General Safety seminar. Larger, more dangerous or more specialized equipment require training. Generally, these machines are labelled, as well as noted on the tools we have page.

Can I store my stuff there or do I have to take it home each time?

Full members each get a small shelf for project store.

Large projects that need to take up space for multiple days must be pitched to the membership

Does Protospace offer training?

Protospace does not employ any staff, but many of our members choose to contribute by offering courses - these can be found at https://my.protospace.ca/classes. Other members will often be willing to offer guidance or help with your project, but nobody is under any obligation to do so, and it is not acceptable to pressure them or persist if they decline.

If you have a skill you'd like to share with everyone, we can help you get set up to offer a course of your own. We tend to be a helpful community that is willing to share, teach, and learn. It's reasonable to ask.

Are there people interested in (niche interest or pursuit)?

Oh, almost definitely. We have two of every animal.

Can I make things that I sell?

Yes. However, you cannot abuse the machines to make a deadline, or monopolize them for hours or days while other members need to use them. Protospace is a non-profit, community organization powered entirely by volunteers - nobody is making any money to run the place. So, if you use it to make money, you will need to contribute back in some way, either through volunteer effort or donation.

How can I get more information?

Most of our internal discussion happens on our Discourse Forum.

Discourse is a great way to communicate with members.

Coming out to a Meet & Geek will get you introduced to lots of folks.

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