Election 2014

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Nominees for Board of Directors

  • Evan Allen
  • Jon Anderson
  • Matt Arnold
  • Nathaniel Bezanson
  • Steve Brook
  • Jamie Burdeski
  • Mike Fink
  • Matt Gardeski
  • Brian McPherson
  • Amelia Meyer
  • Levi Morey
  • James O'Dell
  • Jody Raiford
  • W. Scott Richardson
  • Charlie Rysenga
  • Dave Scholl
  • Matt Switlik
  • Devon Truscott
  • Nathan Warnick

Board nominee survey

How long have you been a member of i3?

Name
Response
W. Scott Richardson
I've been a memeber of i3 Detroit since September 2012. During that time I've averaged 5-10 hours per week at the space and have been working lately on increasing my presence and impact.
Amelia Meyer
I have been a member since May 2012, but have been in and around the space since its founding.
Matt Arnold
In November I will have been a member for three years. I was a regular guest for about a year before that.
Nate Bezanson
Since the very first coffee shop meeting in 2009 -- I was chipping cash into the money-envelope before it was called "dues".
James O'Dell
A little over 2 months. I joined June 17th.
Jon Anderson
Though I have only been a formal member of i3 for 1 year, I have been allowed to become familiar with its organization, members, and equipment for 3 years.
Matthew Gardeski
I've been a member since March 2013, and an occasional guest in the previous year.
Steve Brook
March 2013
Devon Truscott
I've been a member for a little over a year. Since approximately March 2013.
Jody Raiford
You're going to make me try and remember dates? I was a guest when we were still in Royal Oak, became a member while the Ferndale paint was still wet.
Jamie Burdeski
I joined in July 2013, right after Maker Faire, but I was a persistent guest since April 2013
Brian McPherson
I have been a member off and on a few times and have been around occasionally as a guest since the founding of i3Detroit.
Evan Allen
I have been an official member since January 1st of this year, Treasurer since the first meeting of the year. Before that I have been around the space since at least spring break 2013 and all subsequent breaks while I was at college. In the time before I was a member I was so involved with the RFID entry system that I was closing down the space alone during the summer of 2013.
Dave Scholl
Since 05/2011.
Matt Switlik
I have been a member of i3 Detroit since one of the first coffee shop meetings in 2009.
Mike Fink
One year and five months. I joined April 2, 2013.
Nathan W
I have been a Founder since of the 4th coffee house day

What types of personal projects do you work on?

W. Scott Richardson
I've done a number of suede and leathercraft projects on the large laser cutters: wallet, microSD card holder, archery arm guard, etc. I also have fashioned a number of boxes and cases for holding various things (mostly laser work). My longest-term project is Project Stratocube, an ongoing balloon-launch project, now in its second year.
Amelia Meyer
In general, robotics and controls.
Matt Arnold
I make prototypes of my boardgame designs, and run the i3Detroit boardgame night twice a month.
Nate Bezanson
Primarily electronics, but the one I've published that gets the most appreciative reactions was actually woodworking-related. Go figure. In many ways, various parts of the space *are* projects that I work on.
James O'Dell
I am working on Bluetooth LE and using Raspberry Pi as iBeacons. I have also starting playing with NeoPixels strips and rings. I hope to create a Mad Scientist Halloween costume with lots of light up stuff. The Beaglebone board really interests me. I would like to use it to make laser light displays.
Jon Anderson
I am currently working on refurbishing an antique cast iron lawn chair and shaping new handles for my machetes. In the past, I have used the laser cutter to inscribe a graduation award for my mom, made an FM transmitter (bugs), and repaired a go-cart with the TIG welder. Given the chance, I seize any opportunity to learn new skills and develop acquired ones. Consequently, I spend many hours observing others’ work and practicing on the myriad machines in the i3 building.
Matthew Gardeski
I spend most of my time on electronic projects, but I have an interest in woodworking, welding, sailboat restoration, and often seem to find myself stuck with server administration.
Steve Brook
High level Mechanical Art pieces, many of which are in or have been shown in Globally recognized Museums and galleries.
Prior projects: 39 years Design and Engineering, Cadillac/Lincoln.
Patented Product and Process Engineer.
Certified Professional Facilitator.
Gold Medal, US National Figure Skating Championships.
Certified Motorcycle Safety Instructor, 3000+ students.
Producer, Guinness Record - Assembly Line Concert 360 hours.
Globally acclaimed Fabrication Artist / Instructor.
Devon Truscott
Most of my projects consist of pretty things cut with lasers. I hope to expand this with: functional pretty things cut with lasers, pretty things fused together with molten metal, pretty things cut out of metal with high temperature gas, among other things.
Jody Raiford
While I'm a bit of a dabbler, most of my personal projects these days have to do with welding or metal fabrication. I turn my hand to other types of projects, but usually just to help out. I'm also a regular presenter in various venues; volunteering as a presenter could be considered a pet project of mine.
Jamie Burdeski
I mostly work on the laser cutter and in the craft room, making pretty things like spiderweb lamps. I also was part of the Pyro Board team. See my wiki page for more information!
Brian McPherson
I work on a lot of different stuff. i3 is a supplement for me to the stuff I can't do easily or accurately at home or at work. I have some electronics projects and some CNC projects I need to spend more time at the space working on...
Evan Allen
My personal projects tend to be electronic, but I am going to be getting more into metalwork and welding very soon. My projects tend to get procrastinated in favor of 'space infrastructure' projects (RFID entry system, AuthBox, stringing network cable, sorting out the e-room overflow, changing ballasts in the e-room, the door iris, etc...).
Dave Scholl
The rubber-band shooting gallery that I took to Maker Faire; the poem “The Rime of the Ancient Hacker” (mailing list on 8/9/13).
Matt Switlik
Arduino and Beaglebone robots mainly. I’ve been doing a lot of Python programming to get Robot Fight Club up, running, and scalable.
Mike Fink
A variety of laser-cut wood and acrylic projects. Some small electronics projects, mostly to make things light up. Also a fair bit of woodworking: wood/MDF 42 sq. ft. built in home office desk, fencing, Blitzball ramps and carts for MakerFaire. Helped build the Pyroboard, too.
Nathan W
I work on a lot of various projects, I have worked on everything from small electronics projects (assisted Trish with the firefly jars),
Welding creative statues SadBots,
My latests projects have been sandblasting vinyl on used mason jars to create frosted outline designs. Frosted Ghost Jars Guinea Pig outline

What appointments have you held/do you hold now at i3? (previous board, officers, zone wardens, committee chairs, etc)

W. Scott Richardson
I've never held an appointment at i3 Detroit.
Amelia Meyer
Currently Fab Lab zone warden.
Matt Arnold
I’m a previous board member, and co-warden of the Laser zone.
Incidentally, I also have been a Board member and/or convention committee member for Penguicon, ConFusion, the Ann Arbor Science Fiction Association, and the Logical Language Group. So far I’ve seen the same issues over and over, and I learned a lot. Our issues are not new.
Nate Bezanson
Before we had a title "membership coordinator", I did a lot of that, and took over the stewardship of the electronics lab from Phil long before there were zone wardens, and have done it ever since. The Genie isn't a zone but if it were I'd be its warden too. I've worn the Reaper hat occasionally and should probably do more of that again soon. In 2011 I was elected to the board and have been there ever since. I'm (head of) the moderation committee which attracts more exasperation than all the rest combined, but I'm steadfastly convinced that letting go of it would be even worse. I help run the quarterly potlock events. I've been one of the suckers who answers contact@ since 2011 or thereabouts.
James O'Dell
I have not held any appointments at i3.
Jon Anderson
I am currently on the new member orientation board. Moreover, I am pursuing an opportunity to become the metal shop warden by proactively seeking members’ opinions on solutions to problems and concerns.
Matthew Gardeski
No official positions so far.
Steve Brook
Zone Coordinator of Machine Shop
Devon Truscott
I am currently on the board of directors, one of two board representatives for camera footage reviewing and one of the wardens of the Laser Zone
Jody Raiford
Welding Zone Coordinator, at your service. I've been a mentor a couple times, and I've helped out with various committees and things, off and on. I first met i3 when I volunteered as a helper of one of the first robot build competition teams i3 hosted.
Jamie Burdeski
I am currently the Secretary, a post which I hope to be appointed to again next year, whether or not I am elected to the Board. I’m also unofficially the Wiki Coordinator! I help with PR whenever I can, and I'm one of the people who answers the contact email for i3.
Brian McPherson
I have not held any but desire to get more involved with the space and the direction things are going.
Evan Allen
I have been the treasurer just about as long as I've been a member here. If we were to have a single point of contact for some of the space infrastructure then I would be that point for a few projects.
Dave Scholl
Board of Directors for 2013-2014 term; co-warden of Wood Shop.
Matt Switlik
I was the first secretary.
Mike Fink
None, yet.
Nathan W
2009 Founder
2011-2013 Board of directors
2011-2012 Welding zone Manager
2012-2014 Welding zone Associate
2012-2014 Vinyl zone Manager
2014-current Injection Molding zone Manager

What projects have you worked on to improve i3?

W. Scott Richardson
I'm passionate about sharing i3 with other people at networking events and have focused much of my time at things like TEDx Detroit and other conferences and expos in the Metro Detroit area. Unfortunately, I've not had as much opportunity to put into the actual space in general - most of the improvements I've been interested in have not gone beyond discussion with other members. This is a focus of mine within the next six months.
Amelia Meyer
Seems to be space infrastructure of late, with the laser ventilation system for all three laser cutters, and my current long-term project being a system for rapidly locating drawers in the Electronics Room, the PartsLaser.
Matt Arnold
I ran a fundraiser which purchased our big laser cutter, Bumblebee. I arranged the donation of our automated embroidering machine. I created the vinyl pop can decorations for the recycling bin, the Hack For Great Justice sign, the sweep-up-after-yourself floor stencil, and the “Where does this go?” box stencil.
Nate Bezanson
See above. Also, I wrote and ran the first incarnation of the twitterbot, whose stable run ended only when Twitter locked out my primitive methods. I wrote and still run the nightly RecentChanges wiki scraper email thing. I built the control box for AB's laser vent and installed most of the ventilation for that. I bought and maintain the Genie. I've defined and still maintain most of the membership-related documents, though they're on the wiki for anyone to edit, nobody else ever does. I've written about twice as many blog posts as the next-most-prolific author, and spearheaded the recent Hackaday meetup event.
James O'Dell
None. I helped prepare for the After Maker Faire party. I do want to create some LED art for the Sky Zone.
Jon Anderson
The i3 power wheels car is an iconic part of the i3 culture. Not only is it used in the power wheels races but it is used for affixing the public eye on what i3 is and what it does. That being said, I have clocked many hours welding a crippled chassis and working with other members to ensure it’s performing at its peak.
Matthew Gardeski
Laser cutter ventilation, wood shop lighting, Open Access system, kitchen door decoration, network improvements in the space, website migration to private VM hosting, and a small part in many other projects that I can't recall just now.
Steve Brook
Many Machine Shop improvements including: Buffer/Grinding station, Tool crib and shelving, added worksurfaces, added lighting, Buffer conversion (with Nate W), added tooling throughout space. Built Metal racks, cleared and organized overhead metal storage. Member training.
Devon Truscott
I fixed a leaky pooper in the men's restroom! I was one of the two responsible for repairing the broken roof fans on a particularly hot summer night. I'm also front-running the task of obtaining a Knox Box emergency entrance system from the Fire Department.
Jody Raiford
I glued down the carpet in the E-lab. I've helped with wiring, compressed air lines, fund raisers, and membership drives. A few of our most awesome members came to i3 because I wouldn't shut up about how cool it is. I have a habit of joining committees about improvements, where I tend to talk a lot. I do talk a lot, if you hadn't noticed, but this means that I love giving tours, and do so on a pretty regular basis. Oh, and I've kinda done some stuff with the weld zone, like the shelves and pegboard and things.
Jamie Burdeski
I’ve worked the past year to improve the aesthetics of the physical space, as well as the virtual space. I want i3 to be as welcoming as possible to all its members and guests. I've painted various things in the commons area (everything must be blue!) and I've started a remodel of the front foyer area. I've also made countless contributions to the wiki, adding information, organizing it, and keeping it relevant. I've helped to draft a couple proposals to improve and clarify the standing rules. Documentation's kind of my thing :-)
Brian McPherson
My company was the one to donate the HAAS to i3. I would like to get more involved with assisting training people who are serious about wanting to learn it once I get some more seat time with it myself. I've helped with a lot of the brainstorming that occurs on IRC. I'm also hosting the i3Detroit website.
Evan Allen
The first thing I did before even becoming a member was to start work on developing the RFID entry system; one of my current projects, AuthBox, is an offshoot of that. There has recently been some talk about giving me server-side assistance to complete those projects so keep an eye out in the future. The kitchen door iris was my idea (and Amelia Meyer and Matthew Gardeski were essential to getting it done). I've been involved in ripping down old piping, wiring, and stringing some new stuff.
Dave Scholl
Revising the Standing Rules for membership suspension (1/21/2014 minutes); purchasing kickstools, step ladders and rolling warehouse ladder; repairing electrical circuit breakers, ceiling fans, lighting circuits, power outlets; the wiki page Breaker Panels.
Matt Switlik
I helped move the space into the first Royal Oak location and from there to Ferndale. Lately I haven’t been around as much as I’d like. I want to be more involved with Potlocks and build outs over the next year.
Mike Fink
I’m in the process of building a panoramic tour of the space (street view style--see my user page). And I designed the Maker Faire After-party flyer this year.
Nathan W
I generally assist with anything that needs a hand and I'm not busy.
From day one I helped wire and plaster the loft in the original space. First improvement at the current space was assisting with the refinishing of the treehouse flooring (used to be this really nasty fuzzy looking paint) Second was the very first length of cat5 from the rear of the shop at the phone darmac to the modem in the network rack.(This is a huge task when you're afraid of heights and we didn't own the genie yet.)
I have replaced exhaust fans on the roof, wired up larger tooling in the Machine shop (buffer, drill press) Assembled pallet racking workstation and storage in vinyl zone, wired outlets for our welding equipment, replaced lighting with newer efficient lighting and filled dark zones with new fixtures.

What qualities do you look for in a fellow board member?

W. Scott Richardson
The things I value most about fellow members of the board would be a willingness to listen and be considerate with an open mind, make a decision, and then stand up for what they believe in.
Amelia Meyer
Consideration of others without being conflict-averse.
Matt Arnold
If you are a Board member and don’t want anyone to be angry at you (even if they’re wrong), you can’t do your job. At least don’t get in the way.
Your job is to know what’s going on. If you’re out of touch, recuse yourself from decisions you know nothing about.
If you disagree with the code of conduct, tell us, and work to change it to something you stand behind. It is a declaration to our members of what to expect. If you leave that expectation in place, and then surprise us when you refuse to enforce it, you created a false expectation.
Nate Bezanson
Sanity.
James O'Dell
A person who can work with the group and communicate their ideas to the board and the membership. A board member should be able to make decisions and be flexible enough to to listen to others opinions.
Jon Anderson
I look for a member who has integrity; they are honest in word as well as action and intention. They will vote based on the needs of all members and the improvement of the space rather than a personal agenda or vendetta. In addition, I look for someone with interpersonal skills, being able to handle criticism and confrontation.
Matthew Gardeski
I'm looking for individuals ready to become a productive team and be willing to work with the board outside of just meeting time. Also, every board member must be willing to take ownership of their actions. I do not want to see personal grudges becoming the membership's business.
Steve Brook
Compassion, understanding, Tolerance, Big picture thinking, problem solving (not making) Personal communication skills. Long term vision.
Devon Truscott
A forward thinker. Someone who can foresee consequences of actions and deliberate properly without making rash decisions. I also appreciate someone who can look at issues with compassion and understanding; without bias and can keep their emotions in check. Also the ability to fly. (The last one I'm willing to be flexible with.)
Jody Raiford
Folks willing to be the bad guy when necessary. The Board needs to be willing to inconvenience or even deny privileges to members when it's in the group's best interest. It may not make them popular, but it's why we elect them.
Jamie Burdeski
A focus on progress and getting things done is the most important quality to me, but being that i3 is a relatively small community in its formative stages, it is just as important to focus on the details and make sure things are done right the first time. I think the board necessarily has to deal with more of the rules and paperwork than any other members, so it’s important for a fellow board member to have a high tolerance for that sort of thinking.
Brian McPherson
My fellow board members should be the type of people who are looking to constantly improve the usage and efficiency of the space. People who aren't afraid of resolving conflicts or having to make the hard decisions that may negatively impact a few for the benefit of the majority.
Evan Allen
Board members should, of course, be prepared to not be universally liked and should not try to be. The board is elected to make decisions that keep the space useful to the membership and that's not always popular with everyone. That being said, I would look for a vision of the future and an open mind to tackle problems that we may face without being weighed down by the past. A willingness weigh all the options and make the tough decisions. To see the decisions through to fruition and, especially, ask for help if it is needed.
Dave Scholl
Enforcing rules fairly for all members; coming to meetings prepared to vote on motions and follow the agenda.
Matt Switlik
Patience, a sense of duty, and a thick skin. From my experiences the membership can, on occasion, be a little snarky towards the board. It’s important for board members to not let the inevitable criticism get to them.
Mike Fink
I look for the abilies to hear multiple viewpoints before drawing conclusions, to not enter discussions closed-mindedly, and to keep separate personal opinions and what is best for the space overall.
Nathan W
All of the above,
Doesn't let personal issues get in the way conflicting how i3 as an business organization is operated.
Is friendly to the membership, viewed as a mentor, can be trusted when an issue arises, is not biased on personal grudges with individual members.
Can complete important i3 critical tasks when asked, ex: copy of the lease acquired and stored properly within business hardcopy documentation.
Capable of hashing out a resolution to an issue at a board meeting.

What is your stance on rules/organization vs pure do-ocracy in the space? When/where is there a place for each?

W. Scott Richardson
I think that we should see prominent examples of each throughout the next year - the power of our community is centered in our ability to act and to do... from those actions we determine how our organization and its rules move forward. I believe that if something can be seen to impact every or the majority of the members in the space, rules may be enacted and its each person's responsibility to understand and comply. Where more specialized circumstances apply, and where members are given appropriate agency to craft a space that fits their own needs, do-ocracy is appropriate.
Amelia Meyer
Do-ocracy works iff all parties involved in the do-ing are on the same page about what needs to be done in what way on what timetable. Rules and procedures help guide people when those criteria are not met. At the same time, rules for the sake of rules are probably counterproductive.
Matt Arnold
I do not care about procedural minutiae. The only rules I care about are those that exist for one reason and one reason only: to set expectations between us, regarding things we care about.
One question: When you enforce this rule, does it have anything to do with the will of the membership? With harms to anyone? Does anyone benefit No? Then you’re just jumping through hoops for the sake of rules. We have too much of that. Yes? Then I will not let it drop until it is resolved. All that matters is member satisfaction, not Robert’s Rules Of Order.
Nate Bezanson
Do-ocracy works hand-in-hand with culture and common sense, and it breaks down when either of those is weak. Sometimes it's appropriate to fill in the gaps with rules and organization, but often it's better to fill in the gaps with human connections. It's important that members understand they need not wait for orders, but should often check for consensus (or redundancy) before acting.
Stated another way: Rules usually say "don't do that", do-ocracy says "do this". They're for different things, and it's natural that they'd appear to be in conflict, just as opposing muscles are both necessary to move a given joint. It's important to recognize that *both* will be active in a healthy organization.
James O'Dell
I prefer organizations that operate using set policies and rules. I think board decisions and actions should follow established bylaws. For example, holding elections and setting the budget.
Do-oracy works well for situations that need fast responses or can be completed without needing a group decision. For example, taking care of the flooding situation or organizing a cleaning party.
Jon Anderson
Were there no rules, it would be like repelling with no equipment. Rules and organization are needed to protect people and their projects. These rules give people the freedom to do whatever they want in a safe environment. As long as people are following the rules, they are free to do whatever they want.
Matthew Gardeski
I've seen "Do-ocracy" take over many times when some disagreement had prevented any real progress on a project. While the concept has been effective in the past in moving projects forward, it would be ideal if we did not have to rely on it. I consider it a Band-Aid over a more serious problem.
Rules should be in place help to promote good progress on projects that the general membership has a stake in, including making i3Detroit a more welcoming community.
Steve Brook
The "Rules" are the canvas of the organization, The backdrop which defines the parameters of the space. The Do-Ocracy is what the individual members achieve or create on that canvas. A canvas without an Artist is useless. Likewise an Artist with too small a canvas is ineffective.
Devon Truscott
I feel that these are almost two different (but still related) topics. Rules and organization keep something like what we have in check. Running smoothly and prevent total chaos. Being a Do-ocracy is how we achieve our goals, using our rules and organization to accomplish our goal.
Jody Raiford
While this is almost a quintessential example of a false dichotomy, I tend to come down on the "Do-acracy" side of things rather than the regulatory "you must do/not do these things". However, one of the things that should get "done" more often is honest communication between people who want to do conflicting things. That's where wardens and, ultimately, the Board come into it.
Jamie Burdeski
I think that the role of do-ocracy is inversely proportional to the size of an organization. With only 20 members, do-ocracy is the best, and really only way to get anything done. As the size of the organization increases, the need for organization increases. For an organization like i3, there doesn't need to be a huge number of rules, but the rules we do have need to be as efficient and effective as possible.
Brian McPherson
Rules are great. I love rules. The problem is when the rules begin to make things prohibitively difficult to accomplish. I think most of the rules of the space should more be considered guidelines as long as they aren't going to lead to damaging the equipment, people, or the reputation of i3Detroit as a whole. Do-ocracy is great when things need to be accomplished and are stalled out due to lack of initiative, provided the things mentioned above are considered.
Evan Allen
The rules that govern this space exist for decisions that need to be made repeatedly. They keep the space running the way it should (for the most part). I take issue with having rules for the sake of rules, but it is useful to have a specific way to handle common problems. The do-ocracy spirit is something else entirely and can be wielded in a constructive or destructive manner. In my mind it is most useful when a small group of members gets together, decides how something should get done, and (after consulting those who would be affected by it) does it in a very timely manner. Good do-ocratic projects tend to be small and quickly accomplished by a small group of members that care about getting something done. Bad do-ocratic projects don't consult the members affected by the change and/or leave the space in a less useful state than it was previously (this includes long hiatuses in progress).
Dave Scholl
I don't see a “vs” here. By improving our rules and organization we are creating a more accessible platform for do-ocracy.
Matt Switlik
I wish the pure do-ocracy worked. But as we’ve seen, once you hit a certain ratio of members to occupiable floor space we start needing rules. Enforcing rules is real work that should not go unaccounted for when making rules. I’ve always pushed to make rules only when needed at i3 and plan to continue to do so.
Mike Fink
The rules should guide and make way for the do-ocracy. Simple rules like “always leave a note, especially when in doubt” can do a ton to avoid conflicts and complications. Especially with questions like “Is someone using this material?” or “Who is working on this project/space improvement? Can I help or will I probably just break things?”
Nathan W
Do-ocracy works great when the person doing the doing understands what needs done and the task is done in a way that the group accepts. Times when it is bad, the person does the task and they thought they did a great job but were unfamiliar with how it affected tooling and users around it. ex. Sandblaster ending up in the metal shop, someone suggested it should live closer to the air compressor, so it was moved into a zone that would be highly unhealthy for the tooling around it.
Rules would not have helped this process much though would have stalled this process from happening, ex: user asks list for opinions, list responds back with 0 replies, or list responds back with 100 replies and the loudest of replies is still the wrong answer. Member either drops task and nothing happens, or user follows advice given.
Sometimes either could be good/bad. I don't like too many rules, especially if they are not helpful to the membership. We are legally a business, but at the same time small groups of family within that form as we perform projects that overlap.

What is the biggest issue at i3 that you hope to address in the next year, whether you serve on the board or not?

W. Scott Richardson
I believe that there have been lapses in members practicing our "be excellent" rule. My personal mission is to inspire, encourage, and interact with other members to encourage a more positive environment.
Amelia Meyer
I plan to offer more training on the machines and tools in my zone, to foster comfort and knowledge in their workings.
Matt Arnold
Repealing "Be Excellent To Each Other". In preparation for this election I wrote an essay: "Be Excellent To Each Other" Considered Harmful.
Nate Bezanson
I think officer/director burnout is a bigger problem than we acknowledge. As I wrote in an email last year, "We tend to elect our most-involved members to serve on the board of directors, so any matter that occupies the board also directly kills a lot of productive activity in the space." This has several facets, including delegation and labor sharing, dispute resolution, new member mentoring, and more. I don't have a magic wand, but I have a few things I'll continue working for on a few of these things. See below.
James O'Dell
Member education. I would like to ensure the members understand how the i3 organization works and to gain the knowledge and confidence to use the equipment. We need to ensure that the wiki is updated with the current information concerning active member and board committees, training classes for the different zones are scheduled regularly, and the member project storage is reorganized. I would like to remove the name labels for people who are no longer members and ensure active members have a storage space.
Jon Anderson
Clutter. We have a large space. If we were to use the space—the shelving and lockers—more efficiently, we could continue to provide space to admire the projects on display while creating room for progressing projects. In addition, the increased organization would improve aesthetics and the general appeal of i3 to potential members and visitors.
Matthew Gardeski
I'd like to work on fixing our tolerance of negativity. The entire membership needs to get into the habit of understanding that blocking the mission of i3 is unwelcome behavior.
Steve Brook
Understanding what actions/direction best suits the needs and wants of the membership. Weeding through the many personal agendas. Replace "Secret Board Voting (withheld from members)with Forth right transparency of Board activity to members.
Devon Truscott
Seeking a better way to prevent tool misuse and to ensure that anyone who wants to use equipment, knows how to obtain the knowledge to do so.
Jody Raiford
Only one? Geeze! Ok, fine, i'll pick..... Clutter. We only have so much room, so anything taking up space is going to have to justify it's value to the group. There's lots of value in many of the things we have, but do we really need everything we currently have? Could the space be better utilized? Could any zones be made into portable workstations, or combined with other zones? These are the questions which I'll be trying to answer.
Jamie Burdeski
Member involvement is a widely recognized problem, and I think the best way to tackle it is one person at a time. Therefore, one of my goals is just to talk to every single person at i3, and be able to attach all the names to faces, interests, and personalities. I also want to make it easier to identify other members by adding more pictures and even badges, etc to the corkboards at the front of the space. The best interaction is always going to be in the physical space, no matter how many directories/mailing lists we create.
Brian McPherson
Keeping areas clean, keeping people accountable for their messes and costly mistakes. People shouldn't be afraid of working here but if they do something that damages equipment because they weren't being careful or didn't know how something works then they should fess up for it.
Evan Allen
I'd like to work on getting the zones and equipment all in a useful state. What I mean by that is (similar to what Jody Raiford said) to either fix, replace, or improve what we have to make the space a universally useful place to get work done. Forklift needs fixing, that is in discussion. CNC plasma cutter is getting a vent system. Injection molder needs some work, I'm planning to help with that. Things that are not available for the membership to use (after requisite training) and do not have special dispensation (parking permit) need to leave.
Dave Scholl
Find sustainable ways to make i3 safer. A safety initiative that we start and abandon gives us less real safety and more legal liability than if we had never started it.
Matt Switlik
I think it’s time to start talking about future growth. How big do we want to be? How can we scale membership and still provide things like member storage and room for projects? I don’t have these answers but I definitely want to be a constructive part of the conversation.
Mike Fink
I want to make sure we maintain a cohesive organization as our size increases. I think there are ways we can make it easier to be excellent to each other. I want to make i3 feel more like a living organization, especially for those who aren’t there all the time--meeting attendance is fairly stagnant, and minutes are far from user friendly to find and read.
Nathan W
Growth and Negativity!
Growth - What are our options, does the membership care, are we meeting our non profit goals? Do we need larger space to do this? Can we continue to grow within our current location, can parking be worked out with the neighbors to accommodate our current and growing membership? Of those issues, I would be capable of walking next door and nicely asking if we could use their enormous parking lot.
Negativity! - I'm not sure how to help burned out members to stop doing this, but I have been on the receiving end at least once myself. I would prefer all of our membership be nice to each other, oh wait our motto "Be excellent to each other" Guess it's time to make some new signs and hang them around. This one would vinyl very well be-excellent-to-each-other-36.gif

What are your long-term (5+ years) goals for i3?

W. Scott Richardson
I'd like to see an ongoing space optimization of the zones we have available - I feel as if floor space management is an ongoing challenge for us and, aside from getting a new building, our long-term challenges may stem from swapout and sharing of what space resources we are able. An increase in excellence, tools and tool care, and space optimization will bring new members and I fully expect that our population will double within five years.
Amelia Meyer
In the next five years, I would like to see a membership cap and a new building, or expansion into the rest of our current building. A membership cap brings some benefits, not least of which is a newfound ability to select for community-minded members, rather than anyone with a free night and $50/mo. Especially given our exceedingly generous guest policy, I see no reason this would cause hardship.
Matt Arnold
Reducing the number of members until we all know each other. Paying for an industrial cleaning service to sweep. Each of the following benefits costs $5 per month: 1) Make a payment through anything other than Amazon auto-pay. 2) Occupy half a storage shelf. 3) Occupy a painted square of the floor in the large storage area.
Nate Bezanson
By all the indications I perceive, I think there will be things calling themselves "makerspaces" all over the place in 2 or 3 years, including many schools and most libraries. Our position externally will be in that context. Many of those places will have paid staff rather than member-volunteers. We should position ourselves as the adults-only alternative for profoundly responsible members to enjoy 24/7 access and relatively awesome tools.
Internally, we should arrive at, and propagate, a consensus vision for a steady-state organization that allows all its members, even the ones who hold titles, plenty of time and energy for personal and group projects. This includes a cap on the number of members or the number of active keys or something. Also, higher standards for member/guest behavior, leaving things better than we found them, etc. Currently many of our most active members are stretched to the breaking (or leaving) point by cleaning up after irresponsibility before we can work, and my main long-term goal is to change that.
James O'Dell
To move i3 into a bigger space. I have only been a member for a few months, but I have already seen the membership grow. All the available space is allotted for zones, common areas, and storage. There is not space to add a new zone with the current building. I don't want us to limit the maximum number of members because of space constraints.
Jon Anderson
Foremost, my goal is to make a cleaner and more efficient, organized space. As I alluded to above, such a space would yield many positive byproducts. To accomplish this goal, I would start with the well-intentioned to-do list posted on the i3 Wikipedia page. Within five years, I see that becoming more structured: involving more members in the upkeep and maintenance of the physical building and digital presence of i3 to increase pride in what i3 is and does. Hopefully this would further promote its being an individual community rather than a community of individuals. I would also seek to improve the image of i3 and increase its publicity to get more involved with i3 and its mission.
Matthew Gardeski
I want the majority of the population of surrounding area to not only know what i3 is, but have a positive image of the organization.
Steve Brook
National recognition as an organization that bridges gap between the traditional "Hacker Space" and the high level "Art Technology" arenas.
Devon Truscott
Increasing our image. To help increase the understand of who we are, what we are and how we do it. We have the privilege of being on the front lines of a movement and I feel the actions we take as an organization and the image we put out is a very powerful tool in how to shape the maker movement as a whole.
Jody Raiford
I'm both a wild ideas guy, and a guy who tends to spout off 9 bad ideas for every one good idea. As such, I don't really feel comfortable trying to even have a 5-year plan for i3. My ideal would be the same as most folks: more space, better use of the space we have, and better communication between members.
And a real kitchen. I Want A Real Kitchen!
Jamie Burdeski
I want i3 to reach towards the vision of being an amazingly well-equipped space that makes incredible things, and shares that knowledge. I want i3 to be known in the community not just for existing and being a cool place to hang out, but for being an active part of the community.
Brian McPherson
I would like to see a greater amount of people trained well enough that they are capable of training others on equipment. I would also like to see the space expand to be more inclusive of other skills or trades.
Evan Allen
In 5 years I would like to see us physically expand to have more space for more diverse zones. I echo the desire for a real kitchen because the overlap between that and other zones would be awesome (see what we already do with n2d2). I would personally like a place where we could legally do any automotive repair (a sentiment I'm sure is shared by everyone who carefully sits their car outside the bay door and works on it). Things that add capability to the space that benefit the membership (including networking with the surrounding community).
Dave Scholl
I want i3 to still be around with the same strong pulse we have today. Also, the same working limbs and attached digits that we have today, the same functioning eyeballs, etc.
Matt Switlik
I would love to see us with more usable space for the membership.
Mike Fink
I see us growing into a larger space (ideally the whole building) with with the ability to support and be supported by a larger membership. Ideally this will allow for more diversity in terms of interests we can accommodate with working space (ie expanded “craft” room since there is little linkage between, say, painting and sewing). Also, I would like to see the organization hone and be true to its stated goals--are we really an educational organization, and does the number of classes we’ve held in the past year reflect that?
Nathan W
Growth - Larger membership means more collective knowledge, but also means more space and parking. Parking is a major issue at the moment, and will only worsen with additional members.
A real kitchen has been wanted by most founding members and asked about randomly throughout the years by newer members. Our current space does not have the ability to host a proper kitchen in a clean and usable environment.
Classrooms - we have almost zero quiet space to host a proper class without stopping members from using the shop. If we are able to acquire space next door in the near future that would be the quickest option, otherwise there is no option within our current space without building walls around the commons area.

What makes i3 great? Why did you join/why do you keep coming back?

W. Scott Richardson
It had been a while since I had seen a location with a focus on bringing out the innovative, the absurd, the creative, the possible, and I love that about i3 Detroit. Here, there are few, if any, limitations on getting things done, on exploring what could be. i3 also survives on the constant open communication of all of its members - the freedom to ask a question and find an answer is critical to our success.
Amelia Meyer
i3Detroit is, to me, mostly about access to the tools and equipment and expertise thereon in fields not my own. It delights me when I see projects crossing the shop from machining to crafts to electronics.
Matt Arnold
Pandering.
LOL, no, seriously, though. It’s not to improve my employment prospects (although it does that). Quite the inverse — it lets me live frugally in order to partially opt out of the economy. That way I can afford to spend less time growing my career, and more time doing things I will be happy about when I’m on my deathbed.
And what is that? That is doing things together, with those who are doing it because they want to, not because they have to.
Nate Bezanson
The people. I'm totally spoiled by the members, with whom I have so much more in common than just the fact that we pay dues to the same space. I got involved because I wanted access to tools, but was surprised (and delighted) by the personal connections that make being around the space so amazing.
James O'Dell
i3 is great because of the membership. I can talk to people working on similar projects, people who work on completely different projects, hackerspace members from other states, and people who are willing to help me with any aspect of my projects.
I joined because I need motivation to work on all the partial projects I have started. I find it hard to finish projects by myself. It is a lot better to work with people working on similar projects or hardware.
Jon Anderson
The culture and diverse learning opportunities are its most alluring traits. Becoming a member was similar to joining a large family of creative, talented intellectuals aiming to accomplish goals, finish products, and help others’ in their pursuit of the same. With so many in such a space, there are surfeit opportunities to attain and develop skills, learning from personal experience and from watching others.
Matthew Gardeski
Because there's nothing else like it. The membership is comprised of an group of individuals with a set of talents that continues to impress me.
Steve Brook
The opportunities for personal growth, education, training and the important relationship development with those of similar vision.
Devon Truscott
I initially joined to have access to the tools, but I keep coming back because of the community we have. The endless pool of creativity and ingenuity, and the raw talent that continues to inspire me to increase my knowledge on a daily basis.
Jody Raiford
I joined officially to have access to the welders, so as to practice for my classes and eventual career. I stick around because I think that community/group make-houses are the way that education and much personal fabrication will be done in the future. I want to help shape that future, and I feel that i3 is one of the single best nucleation sites for the awesomeness that's to come.
Jamie Burdeski
I joined i3 for the community. I love coming here and seeing people being creative, it inspires my own creativity. Being able to be creative is really relaxing for me, a nice counterpoint to my job as an engineer. As a more established member, I like that i3 is a microcosm that I actually have the ability to shape and improve. It gives me a sense of purpose to see it grow and develop before my eyes.
Brian McPherson
The people, the space, the knowledge. I keep coming back because I see what the space is and have visions of what it can be.
Evan Allen
What makes i3Detroit great is the diversity of membership. Sure you get differing points of view that may be contentious, but you get so many cross-disciplinary ideas and projects that allow people out of their comfort zones. I joined because thanks to everyone here I can learn whatever skills I need in almost any subject simply by finding the person who's passionate about it and letting them know I am too. Similarly I take great benefit from teaching other members things they are interested in that I happen to know.
Dave Scholl
i3's greatest quality is our open, egalitarian bylaws and standing rules. I keep coming back to watch new members discover and/or invent their own individual ways to benefit and contribute. I've benefited and contributed in ways that I never expected.
Matt Switlik
I helped form the organization in 2009 out of a love for all things open source. I wanted to see the open source model applied to a physical workspace and tools. Also because I needed access to an oscilloscope for a dead motor controller. I have stayed a member all this time because it has met and exceeded all of my hopes. Yes, there have been bumps in the road. But I love i3 Detroit because after all the bumps, we are still here.
Mike Fink
There’s a high concentration of smart, respectful, helpful people with diverse skillsets and experience. Plus all the tools that I could never afford/justify buying on my own, but then that just brings me back to the people who help immensely with training and maintenance.
Nathan W
I helped found i3 to find friends as I was new to the area in 2009. I actually had a similar vision with a friend to start one while I managed a small gaming center in Missouri back in 2008, but plans had fell through when the owner flopped due to money issues. Our goal was to teach young adults how to solder and build electronic projects, we would have been limited to a much smaller space than All hands Active is located in. So when I moved back to Metro Detroit I was glad to find a group starting what I had already wanted to do but on a much larger scale.

What isn't i3 for?

W. Scott Richardson
i3 Detroit is not a place for "no" unaccompanied by explanation (outside of the rules that keep our members safe and our space well-maintained, of course). Our space, our virtual community, and our membership thrives on the attainment of what may be possible, regardless of what form that may come in. We must be careful not to limit others visions simply because we do not understand them. Where things like hazardous materials, production-house equipment runs, and so on are not clearly understood, our members and guests must be encouraged to ask and we must continue being excellent at addressing those concerns so that everyone understands not only 'what' but 'why'.
Amelia Meyer
i3Detroit is not a place for people without self-awareness and awareness of others. i3Detroit is not a place for people to be coddled and cajoled into good behavior. i3Detroit is not a place where one is entitled to act without regard to others.
Matt Arnold
1) A “family”.
That would be great! But raise your hand if you know half the members. All you need to be a member is $50 and a free Tuesday night. It’s a revolving door. I went to great lengths to limit the number of people who I will unconditionally care for, for the rest of their lives. So, if you want to call i3Detroit a “family”, let’s talk about limiting the membership to those who pass a quiz matching faces to names, and whose names and faces are most often matched on the quiz.
2) A place you dread going to.
...because an entitled jerk will make your experience unpleasant when you were minding your own business, and nobody else will have your back. [Don’t worry, you’re thinking of Noisebridge.] i3Detroit is different.
3) Getting permission in one-on-one conversations to spend the group’s money; Feeling loved and affirmed in member meetings.
No, switch those sources. It works the other way around.
4) Your court-appointed behavioral rehabilitation therapist.
i3Detroit is not a group of pushovers for you to exploit with impunity under the cover of “Be excellent to each other”. We will not give up and leave in exasperation like so many have before. When asking doesn’t work, we’ll start demanding. The next time three subsequent member meetings pass voting resolutions telling you to get your failed project out of the space, we will throw it in the dumpster and put you on a time-out. The expressed will of the membership is no longer just a suggestion.
Nate Bezanson
It's not for customers. People who want to take without giving back should go join TechShop. It's not for spoon-feeding. People who want to show up and have everything handed to them should go back to public school. It's not for monopolization -- people who want a private workshop should buy a house with a basement or garage. i3 is for do-it-yourselfers who *share*, not begrudgingly, but eagerly and obsessively. It's not for people who have to be reminded to clean up or read labels.
James O'Dell
Disrespect. People who argue with other members, leave tools and materials laying around, and don't operate the machinery properly causing breakdowns. These attitudes hurt the whole of i3.
Jon Anderson
There are two facets to this question: concerns pertaining to the organization and concerns pertaining to the members. i3 is not an agency for engineering consultations, formal education, storage, recycling, or disposal. Moreover, it is neither a help desk nor an auto shop. At the member level, i3 is not for those unwilling to socialize, obtain and sharpen skills, or clean up after themselves; those seeking to set up a private shop; or those simply looking for a hangout.
Matthew Gardeski
We won't do your project for you. You must be willing to learn and to help others learn.
Steve Brook
Disrespect, Elitism, Personal agendas, Power Mongering, Squashing creativity, Bias on who, how many are blessed with membership.
Devon Truscott
"Work for hire." i3 is also not a place for drama, bickering, people who can't pull their own weight (ie: sharing the space, but not cleaning up.), a place to plan world domination and most certainly NOT a place for harassment.
Jody Raiford
Stupid question. i3 is for everything. It's a place for profit hungry developers to work out their designs before patenting. It's a place for people to tear their hair out and have screaming matches with their friends and enemies. It's a place to learn to use tools, and to break them and then feel bad about it. It's also for all those cool things people always go on about, like education and peace and love and stuff. It's a place where human nature can really be expressed. And Humans aren't big on being told what they can't do. But it's a place for rules, too! Don't you love the paradox?! It's a place to be free, and to be constrained. It's a place to go crazy, and then get yelled at for going crazy, and then to watch as the yellers go crazy about their own shit! What isn't i3 for? It isn't for isn't.
Jamie Burdeski
Like everyone else has said, i3 isn't a job shop, and it isn't for people who don’t play well with others. I would also add that it isn't for people who are terrible at communicating and don’t even try. Joining i3 means you are entering into a relationship with 100 other people, and you are going to have to stretch yourself out of your anti-social tendencies and ask for help, admit when you made a mistake, contribute to the communal knowledge pool, and resolve conflicts in a mature manner.
Brian McPherson
Self immolation? Storage of not-useful junk? Treating it like a pigsty? Somewhere to harass others to make yourself feel better? i3 is a place to come to learn, not to have others do things for you. There are a lot of things that could be toxic to the health of the space and it's pretty impossible to state them all.
Evan Allen
i3 isn't a job shop, although I have gotten a contract job and my current full-time job just by hanging around here. i3 isn't a place where seniority trumps sense, experience is always useful, but this is one of those places where age isn't a factor in intelligence. i3 is the place where you do things yourself, if all you have is suggestions for how someone else should do something don't be surprised when they do it their way.
Dave Scholl
i3 is not for stashing stalled projects.
Matt Switlik
Storage for your projects you never quite get around to.
Mike Fink
People who want to be customers.
Nathan W
Negativity, Please stop with the one line answers. Taking out aggression on others who interrupt you, ask them nicely.

What will you do if the board or members pass a decision you disagree with? Will you enforce it?

W. Scott Richardson
i3 Detroit is as much a democracy as a do-ocracy, and its membership is represented by its board. My goal is to provide perspective while understanding that we must abide by the decisions of our majority. I will both respect and enforce any decisions made by the board.
Amelia Meyer
Should such a thing come to pass, I will simultaneously act to enforce it, and try to determine from where the disagreement stems. If the disagreement is on my side, I will take actions to alter my perspective. If the disagreement is on the majority's side, I will attempt to take actions to further explain and guide. While a democracy runs by its majority, the majority cannot be guaranteed to be the right answer.
Matt Arnold
If I'm not going to enforce something set down by the Board, I'll say so during the deliberations about whether to pass the motion. I won't spring it as a surprise when the time comes to enforce it. If I don't want to enforce something which is the express will of the overall membership, I may either abstain, or step down.
Nate Bezanson
In practice this is difficult, and often the sanest route is to recuse oneself. Often, though, such situations are result of misunderstandings that can be resolved amicably.
James O'Dell
If the decision was reached use the established procedure and it didn't violate the bylaws, I would back it. I would hope I had a chance to state my opposing opinion of the decision.
Jon Anderson
I will enforce it because my personal opinion is of little consequence when compared with what the majority of elected members’ vote. Before the vote is final, however, I will lobby all that I can on behalf of my opinion, explaining fully my perspective and rationale.
Matthew Gardeski
After a decision is passed and becomes policy, the discussion is over we all must work together to adhere to it, otherwise we defeat the purpose of having the board as leadership. Enforcement is not the time to express disagreement with current policy.
Steve Brook
"The "Good" of the "many" out weigh the good of the few ... or the one." If the majority makes a thoughtful decision that encompasses the member will, it is the obligation of the other members to support it.
Devon Truscott
I am not going to lump all decisions into a simple yes or no, because life isn't doled out in black or white. It is my job as a board member to enforce rulings by the board as a whole, but if it is something I am truly against as a person, or something I believe goes against the core values of our organization, I will most certainly speak up. If it's something I truly don't agree with, I will do whatever in my power to repeal the decision or depending on the severity, resign from my position.
Jody Raiford
If I'm on the board, of course I'll enforce the rules, even the ones I disagree with. I'll keep trying to get them changed, but as long as they're the rules, and I'm entrusted with that enforcement, then I'll do so.
Jamie Burdeski
I believe in arguing the finer points of a decision passionately while it’s under debate. However, once a decision is made, I will abide by that. A very important quality in serving on the board is being able to see the bigger picture and let things go when necessary. This is also kind of a silly question because no one’s going to admit to this during their campaign :-p
Brian McPherson
Depends on how strongly I object with it. There likely won't be anything I would disagree with so strongly that I would be unwilling to enforce it, and if there was, I would probably cease being a part of the organization.
Evan Allen
If a decision has already been passed then my time for discussion of the subject is over and it is important to adhere to the will of the membership. If it turns out I was right then there will probably be a backlash anyway and I can get behind the repeal of an unjust policy (but if I'm consistently the outlier, maybe there isn't a problem).
Dave Scholl
I will comply with and enforce decisions passed by the board and/or members.
Matt Switlik
I would enforce the will of the membership followed by a decision of the boards. As a group we have to respect the rules we have even if we don’t agree with them.
Mike Fink
All rules and policies should be enforced with equal weight, regardless of personal agreement. If a significant portion of the membership or board thought something was a good idea, in spite of arguments against, then it likely has merit. Varied enforcement leads to confusion of correct policy and often forces those who properly enforce the rules to take the unpopular role of strict enforcer. This turns potential conflict with organizational policy into personal conflict which can be far more ruinous.
Nathan W
I am with Leonard on if the rule is so out of bounds, I would first attempt to amend the rule for the better good of the group, otherwise sadly I would probably result in stepping down and possibly leaving if it is of that magnitude. Otherwise I can not think of a passable rule the membership would not overrule.

Should we work to make i3 more inclusive and diverse? How can we?

W. Scott Richardson
Absolutely. In fact, our inclusiveness and diversity, in many ways, is why we are here. In the two years I have been a member, I've been inspired by members who are doing things which I have never thought of doing. As a recent MBA grad, I've studied and been inspired by diversity initiatives (cultural, artistic, technical) that major corporations have undertaken and would be excited to try to adapt some of them into the i3 Detroit format.
Amelia Meyer
We should absolutely attempt to make i3Detroit more diverse. I think at this time, i3Detroit is perhaps overly inclusive.
Matt Arnold
Yeah. See my essay Laser Cutters and Social Justice.
Jo Freeman’s classic essay The Tyranny Of Structurelessness explains how all groups have power relationships. You cannot have “no structure”. All you can do is pick between intentional or unintentional structure. So, when you avoid giving out power intentionally, all you are doing is perpetuating the existing unintentional power. Racism and sexism are unconscious, not intentional. So structurelessness always advantages the old-boy’s club.
That’s why when well-meaning white males get together to make a group, they sincerely think all you need is “Be excellent to each other”. It’s not being a bad person; it’s just not realizing something that many non-white-non-males tend to know from experience.
Nate Bezanson
I think we SHOULD work to make sure i3 doesn't inadvertently discriminate on things like race, gender, all those things. I think we SHOULD NOT confuse this with tolerating irresponsible or dangerously clueless people, which often masquerades as inclusion. As for implementation, I don't have a clear vision or agenda here, but one possibility that comes to mind is working with outside groups who have overlapping goals but differing demographics. (There's some background work afoot on this already and I hope to have more to say in a few weeks.)
James O'Dell
Maybe we can reach out to college freshman and demonstrate to them how the people, equipment, and resources at i3 can help them with their class projects.
Jon Anderson
Absolutely, and metro Detroit is a great place to have headquarters. The area is inherently diverse and has multitudinous opportunities for outreach and increasing publicity. Detroit has events like Maker Faire; Arts, Beats, and Eats; River Days; the Detroit Grand Prix; the Ferndale DIY Fair; the Woodward Dream Cruise; and Cruisin’ Gratiot to name a few. Given the opportunity, i3 could obtain booths—it already has in some—develop activities to pique interests of participants, share finished products and progressing projects. There are innumerable ways in Detroit to have more time in the public eye. In addition, more efforts could be concentrated on directing people to i3’s social media presence. For this, we can encourage members to wear their membership proudly, both on their clothes and their individual social media sites.
Matthew Gardeski
Yes, I think it would be a good idea to reach out to more of the community than who we are already in contact with. Forming relationships with higher educational institutions in the area would be a start. When there are special events in the area that are relevant to our interests, they should want to have us come back every year.
Steve Brook
Inclusion and diversity are the cornerstones of creativity. It happens naturally. (Especially in the I3 community.) Let it happen. The efforts to restrict or inhibit this flow are not beneficial and should be dissuaded. More members equals more diversity.
Devon Truscott
I share my views on this with both Nate B. and Amelia Meyer. Diversity is an amazing thing, and it's one of the best features of i3. (Besides from being a old, old Spanish ship, used in the late 1800's.)
Jody Raiford
What exactly is diversity in this context? Race? Class? Education? Gender? Age? Species? Orientation? Hairstyle?
There are reams and stacks and universes of writings about the ethics of diversity, the benefits and dangers thereof, and the challenges inherent in both the search for and the achievement of it.
The short answer is, tentatively yes, but within certain bounds.
Realistically, i3 is going to be a self selecting group. We can try and be as encouraging as possible, but until the desire and ability of diverse populations to Make and Hack instead of just Consume is truly widespread, we're going to keep being a fairly homogeneous group. And that isn't really a terrible thing.
(Feel free to hit me up for a conversation on the ethics here, I love that kind of talk)
Jamie Burdeski
We can start by electing the only female nominee this year to serve on the board! :-p Ok but seriously, this is a really complicated question, and it’s not specific to i3, but to all communities. While the philosophy of “be awesome and don’t actively discriminate, and diversity will naturally happen” is appealing, I do think that more realistically, diversity does need to be actively sought after, just to overcome our own unconscious bias toward attracting people that we connect with, in whatever sense. Teaching more classes in the community, and partnering with other organizations that cater to different groups would be ways to increase reach. For me though, diversity is a long-term stretch goal, and while I support it, I’m more interested in improving day-to-day operations first.
Brian McPherson
i3 is perhaps a little overly inclusive. This isn't a dig at anyone specifically but there are some people in the space that don't seem to care about the things in the space as they might one of their own possessions. If anything people should be more careful about the space's equipment than they would their own. Increasing diversity would be great if we can attract people with additional skillsets that are potentially desirable things for others to learn about.
Evan Allen
When I hear the term 'diversity' used about i3, I tend to think about everyone's differing interests and skillsets enriching the whole. In that way we are a very diverse group and I would like us to become more so. As a group we are one of the most inclusive I know, we will readily give anyone a tour if they show the slightest interest and let them use our facilities as long as a current member will attest to their integrity. I am heartened by our existing inclusiveness and excited by the prospect of increased diversity.
Dave Scholl
We can and should, by better aligning our written rules with what we actually do. Groups that have more structured and transparent decision-making are more accessible to a more diverse group of new members.
Matt Switlik
I feel we have always been inclusive and diverse. Especially now more than ever. I think we should continue doing what we’ve been doing. I feel that we’ve been growing at a steady and manageable pace.
Mike Fink
Is there an inclusivity problem? I don’t feel comfortable making that judgement without hearing input from others, as my personal experience may differ greatly. Gender and ethnic diversity are systemic problems in many fields we tend to draw membership from (technology, engineering, manufacturing). To counter this, we could expand our reach by promoting i3 at a larger variety of events than we are used to. I think this is a worthwhile objective that we should not lose sight of but at the same time not a primary focus of effort.
Nathan W
Part of our nonprofit status goals is to include the public with classes and events. We need to continue this to meet our organizations over all goal. As a dangerous machine shop we do hold a certain amount of right to turn away those who are a danger to the organization by being destructive or dangerous.

Do you agree with i3's current Harassment Policy?

W. Scott Richardson
Yes, unequivocally.
Amelia Meyer
Yes.
Matt Arnold
Yes. I wrote it, and drafted its revision.
I’m willing to re-phrase the wording of item 2 (Ask before touching another person, and interpret the absence of a clear “yes” as a “no”. Abide by it.) to preserve its intent, while making it specific enough that every Board member will be willing to enforce it.
Nate Bezanson
Yes, though I think it's provided little in the way of useful guidance during the problems we've had in the past. I don't have a problem with anything it says nor any concrete suggestions for changes. I do feel like a policy is important to have written down, but it needs teeth in the form of day-to-day implementation by individuals with a clear vision for how it can be used.
James O'Dell
Yes. I have read the policy and it is clear and fair. I think the offending person should be talked to in private. I think the different enforcement levels are fair.
Jon Anderson
Yes. It aptly shows members that they can demand respect as a person without having to worry about backlash or repercussions from the board, as the board has promised to support those raising concerns about and incidents of harassment.
Matthew Gardeski
While I do not disagree with it, there is much room for improvement. I don't believe it is sufficient to correct and prevent future harassment issues.
Steve Brook
Yes, No Harassment, abuse or bullying (Physical or Social) of any kind should be allowable. The Policy as is could use some clarification and definition.
Devon Truscott
I do agree with it, but I feel something of that nature can always use improvement. As new social issues arise, new standards need to be met. The more a social structure like ours evolves, the more things need to be taken into consideration.
Jamie Burdeski
Yes. It’s not enough to have a Harassment Policy though, the enforcement is key. I watched from the sidelines as this came up last fall. I think the current board did a good job of handling it, given that it was the first time that anyone had had an opportunity to enforce the policy. There is always room for learning and improvement.
Brian McPherson
I think it's a little absurd that it's a requirement to have a policy and that harassment on a case-by-case basis should be something the board is able to deal with regardless of what the Policy states. Having a distinct policy gives people the ability to say 'well it's not against policy for me to act this way' when they should know what they are doing is generally unacceptable. If it's a severe enough issue then the proper outside authorities should be involved. That said, there is nothing on the current Policy that I disagree with.
Evan Allen
Yes, although I think this question would be equally as important if it asked 'do you agree with the bylaws' or 'do you agree with the standing rules'.
Dave Scholl
Yes, with the policy as written. I'm deeply troubled by its history of (non-)enforcement, but I don't think that means we need to rewrite the policy.
Matt Switlik
Yes.
Mike Fink
I do. It does a good job of making most expectations and responsibilities fairly clear, though there are some ambiguities in applicability and enforcement which should be clarified or specifically left to the board’s discretion.
Nathan W
Yes, though sadly this should be common sense.

External Links

My responses to the survey are a rather extended post on Medium which I have been preparing for about a year: "Be Excellent To Each Other" Considered Harmful Please read it. If you cannot log in to Medium with a Twitter or Facebook account to leave comments there, please leave them here, or on the mailing list.

-Matt Arnold