[Swansea Hackspace] Outreach letter

[Andrew Price]

Hi Gerrit,

On 11/10/13 09:12, Gerrit Niezen wrote:
> Hi Andy,
>
> Thanks, I think it looks good. I would add something to the description of a hackspace about tools/equipment, to show it's not just about meetings/socialising, e.g.:
>
> A hackspace provides access to tools and equipment for digital fabrication, like 3D printers, CNC routers and laser cutters. Members provide education and training to each other, sharing technical skills in areas like electronics or CAD model design.

Yes, I think it's definitely worth mentioning that the hackspace will 
have tools and equipment but I'd prefer to avoid including any 
exhaustive-sounding lists because it limits the kind of immediate 
interest we attract. The list above would surely be attractive to 
engineers and model builders but it would be a turn off to, say, people 
who work with textiles. I want it to appeal to as diverse a range of 
enthusiasts as possible.

However, I would like the landing web page linked from the mailing to 
have clear links to these kinds of details. Ideally I want readers to 
think, "This sounds interesting. I wonder what kind of equipment they 
will have. I'll look at the website and find out."

Updated letter below (2nd paragraph changed to mention tools and 
equipment; 4th paragraph changed to fix over-emphasis on socialising).

Thanks,
Andy


Dear Makers, Creators, Geeks and Tinkerers,

We (a group of enthusiasts and hobbyists based in and around Swansea) 
are in the process of setting up Swansea Hackspace and we'd like to 
invite you to get involved.

A hackspace - also known as a hacklab, makerspace, or hackerspace - is a 
community-run place where people with common creative interests can 
meet, socialise and collaborate using tools and equipment provided 
there. There are established hackspaces in London, Cardiff, Bristol, 
Manchester and other places in the UK as well as around the world.

Swansea Hackspace is still in its infancy and we have yet to find a 
physical space to use, so our current focus is to bring enthusiasts from 
around Swansea together to form a strong community and make establishing 
a hackspace worthwhile for all. There are currently no membership fees 
required and the number of people who get on board in this early stage 
will influence the initial price of membership once we get the space 
established.

We currently hold meet-ups every two weeks, alternating between social 
meet-ups, and technical meetings where we hold talks and workshops to 
learn, teach and share what we love about our hobbies and projects. We 
heartily welcome you to join us, by visiting our Facebook group at 
https://www.facebook.com/SwanseaHackspace or by following our mailing 
list which is linked from our website at http://swansea.hackspace.org.uk 
where you'll also find the times and venues of upcoming meetings.

Please spread the word to friends, colleagues and anyone else you think 
would be interested. There is a web-based version of this mailing at 
[URL] so feel free to share the link.

We look forward to being creative with you!

Regards,

Swansea Hackspace