[SC.LUG] [Fwd: [cumbria_lug] Lowtech Access Space]

[Jason Lucas]

On Tue, 2005-07-05 at 14:43 +0100, Jason Lucas wrote:
> On Sun, 2005-07-03 at 20:04 +0100, Richard Smedley wrote:
> > I can't quite see how to get one of these going in Cheshire, atm
> >  - but I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of others with enthusiasm
> > and/or ideas :-)
> 
> I think that this is a great idea, however I agree with Richard about
> the difficulty in getting something like this going in Cheshire. I get
> the distinct feeling that 'the powers that be' around here are simply
> too conservative and technophobic to embrace a project such as this. I'd
> love someone to prove me wrong, but I won't hold my breath.
> 
> J.   

Well, knock me down with a feather duster! - I passed this e-mail about
the LowTech Access Space onto the local Museum director (a friend of
mine). He has just got back to me saying that he likes the idea and has
suggested that I write a letter to one of our local councillors, which
he will pass-on with his support and enthusiasm. It's a start!
Anyway, as I have never written to a councillor about a project such as
this, I was wondering if anyone on the LUG could offer any hints or tips
on pitching this project to him. I would also be interested to hear from
anyone who would like to get involved in this project - the more support
we can muster, the better our chances of making this happen.

Maybe it's something we could discuss at the next meeting?

Jason.
 

> > 
> > 
> > -------- Forwarded Message --------
> > 
> > To: Cumbria at mailman.lug.org.uk
> > Subject: [cumbria_lug] Lowtech Access Space
> > Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 06:43:48 -0400
> > One of the Lightning Talks at LUGRadio Live was from James Wallbank of
> > Lowtech [1]. Lowtech was set up about five years ago to make creative use
> > of old technology. The focus of the whole venture is not the technology,
> > but the creativity and the collaborative community. They set up systems,
> > put on displays and demos, gave away what they'd creeated and then started
> > on the next batch of old computers. Every demo brought more interest, and
> > more donations of old hardware. They simply didn't know what to do with it
> > all, so they set up something called Access Space. They obtained Arts
> > Council funding, and in the middle of Sheffield, they set up a hands-on
> > style media lab which was free for all and sundry to use. Everything they
> > do is based on free hardware and free (as in beer) software. The only thing
> > they ask of people is that they are willing to actively engage in the
> > project rather than just use it as a free internet cafe. People are
> > expected to help answer questions from anyone else who happens to be around
> > (even if the answer is to help them find the answer), and they are expected
> > to have an identifiable goal.
> > 
> > Again, it snowballed. They have helped any number of people learn about
> > computers and how they can be used, and have also learned a lot about from
> > those people. As they say "teach what you know, learn what you don't" and
> > they make the point that *everybody* has something worth teaching - after
> > all, if you want to know if your interface is easy to use, the best person
> > to tell you that is someone who isn't familiar with computers.
> > 
> > Lowtech are now beginning to push a new project called "grow your own media
> > lab" which does exactly what it says on the tin. The idea is that you
> > gather whatever bits of old hardware you happen to have, whatever techy or
> > non-techy people you can get interested, and build a media lab. Even
> > someone who has never seen a computer will be capable of plugging in cables
> > and watching screens to see if an error message comes up, and with the
> > right encouragement most people won't take too long before they're brave
> > enough to get their hands dirty and really get involved.
> > 
> > Russ and I are seriously considering trying to get something like this
> > started in Carlisle. We spoke to James Wallbank at LRL, and he provided a
> > huge amount of enthusiasim and support. Talking over it all, we have
> > identified a number of needs:
> > 
> >  - free hardware, which is not a problem, because every geek gathers
> > things, and once we get the ball rolling we will be able to acept donations
> > from businesses who'd rather not pay to have their old equipment taken away.
> > 
> >  - free software, which can be had very easily on-line. Recommendations for
> > suitable programs might be useful later on.
> > 
> >  - space, which will mean rent. We'll be writing to the local councils, and
> > to various arts councils, lottery funding, etc. We're hoping Carlisle City
> > Counsil will be able to offer us a room in a community centre for next to
> > nothing, but we'll have to see what they've got.
> > 
> >  - time, which is going to be the biggest problem, and why I'm posting this
> > to the LUG list. We need people who will be willing to spend a few hours
> > now and then sitting in a computer lab, working on their own projects, and
> > happy to help other out with theirs. Russ and I reckon we can probably make
> > every pther Sunday afternoon, and once things start to grow, I have no
> > doubt that there will be more people willing to be there at other times.
> > However, we really need to know that we've got people from the beginning,
> > whatever their level of techy ability.
> > 
> > 
> > So to summarise, what we want from you in the immediate future is support,
> > enthusiasm and the promise of time. I realise this is a long shot, given
> > that this LUG consists of those who are apathetic and those who are
> > stupidly busy, but please do think about it.
> > 
> > Hugs,
> > 
> > Jen
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > [1] http://lowtech.org/
> > 
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