[Coworking] Re: Coworking Software Update
Hi David, If you need help testing the software, reporting and tracking bugs, let me know. I would be happy to pitch in. Karen Origlio [EMAIL PROTECTED] 813 368 9353 On Oct 28, 10:41 am, David Kominsky [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We continue to work on getting our software ready for release into the wild. The key issue, at this point (as I understand it), is that it was designed for SQL server and we're trying to get it open source ready, which means moving to MySQL. Related is that we need to shift a bunch of functions which are currently performed by active x controls into formats that are more platform neutral. While this is a project that is being actively worked on, I really don't have a clear sense of timeline, in large part because the folks working on it and volunteering, so whatever they do is wonderful. A few more basic pieces of info. The system is a point of sale system designed to track usages and memberships associated with a coworking space (specifically, CubeSpace). It is a Ruby on Rails system (runs on a browser, either on a local web server or on the web), and can run credit card transactions, as well as running a cash drawer and reciept printer. It also tracks where people are in the space. It is, at this point, very buggy. Our goal is to make it only somewhat buggy before releasing it into the wild. More importantly, we're trying to get it to a place where others will have a chance of being successful with it, rather than throwing up hands in confusion and disgust, and running away. I'll try to keep you all posted as we learn more. --David David Kominsky [EMAIL PROTECTED]://www.CubeSpacePDX.com 503-206-3500 --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Coworking group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Cowork Network
Thanks, all, for your input and comments. There's a lot of energy and smarts on this list. I need to put this idea of the back burner for a while since my paying project management gig just got canceled. Will restart the discussion and/or reach out for more specific input when my schedule (and pocketbook) allows. Best, Karen On Oct 11, 8:48 am, MattCoop [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I noted that the idea that has resonated most in this discussion is the unified set of tools. How do we overcome interoperability issues without building a central governing entity? How do we ensure that the nice folks who are paying to host those tools right now don't pull the plug, without just setting up another entity that can also die/be co-opted/turn evil? I just happen to be working on a project that's solving similar issues:http://iyear.us Below is some text about how we're using a trust to keep the web platform completely community-driven. Trusts are funny legal entities, with a lot of space for innovation in how they're governed. Please do read on. I think the implications for this conversation will be clear, so I won't parse them myself. -Matt --- The Independence Year Trust A trust is unlike any other legal entity authorized to hold assets: it's little more than a file in a trust company's office. The Independence Year Trust is an Internet Services Irrevocable Non- corporeal Trust. Like most trusts, it has no management board and no managers but, unlike most trusts, the Trust is not permitted to hold tangible assets: no cash, bank accounts, nothing that's attractive to a potential buyer. So, while the Trust is the owner of the web service, there is no way it can pay for the service, and has no way to control it. Without a business or money or a management board, it has no way to sell itself. Like the Internet itself, the Independence Year Trust is not a thing, it's simply an agreement. But the iYear Web Host(s) and Domain Name Registrar(s) must be paid or they will stop supporting it and the site will die. So each contractor has a payment page at iYear, where the iYear community can voluntarily donate in order to ensure that the site stays up. Because of the Trust's limitations, there's no profit in buying it (and no one to make an offer to). As long as its members pay its costs, the only way to shut it down would be if the Government seizes its servers or if the web Host violated its contract. By July 4th, 2009, the service will be mirrored so thoroughly that it will be virtually impossible for a single entity to shut down this American People's Government Management Service. On Oct 10, 1:00 pm, Dawn C. Hayes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: LOL! Noted. -- dawn im: realrainmaker skype: unitedcommunityventurepartners -- ...sent from my iPod Touch via wifi ;- ) On Oct 10, 2008, at 12:19 PM, Tara Hunt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One thing I would love to 'regulate' is that coworking does not have a hyphen. ;) Just a joke, but I do try to correct ppl when possible - especially reporters. Not that I'm the queen of naming or anything. It's just consistent. :) T On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 6:47 AM, Dawn Hayes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I didn't have any exclusive vision on geographic locations, keeping in mind that this list is global and I'd love to be able to dialog and interact more with those outside of U.S. borders. Cross-border interaction is key to anything fostering collaboration (in my opinion) and by cross-border I mean it in the widest sense: from Philly to Seattle, Rochester to East London or Miami to Goa (India). If the usual suspects are the first to show up, great. If others get involved from the start, even better. There's always got to be a place to begin with, no? In fact, it seems that there are a few regular voices on this list and some of their thoughts have clearly drawn in others to connect that might usually stick to quiet observation (that's usually me, really!). I believe Co-working is shaped by the vision and efforts of its actors at large and will maintain that as I develop initiatives directly in line with it or at least parallel to it. With that said, I am less interested in fussing over titles, catch-phrases and whether something is actually Co-working or not. I'm much more interested in the results of folks working together (or not) to benefit their communities, whether it is simply providing a good space to work from or a bit more. d On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 9:12 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm with Tony, Alex and Tara (nothing new there) on the first reaction to Karen's post, starfish please. The parallel services approach seems interesting though and Karen's precisions do seem more in line with my thinking than the original understanding I had. As for
[Coworking] Cowork Network
Over the past few weeks I've met/emailed several group members to discuss the idea of creating a non-profit organization to support coworking space owners and members. The idea is to have an organization whose mission is to help spaces start and sustain themselves, and link them together. Imagine a knowledge base of information and resources for a space catalyst, or collaborating with members in other locations via video conferencing or finding the specific expertise you need for your latest project through a member directory... Coworking will be an industry, not just a movement. This organization can also assist the independent worker and entrepreneurial spirit found in so many members...I'd love to connect members with affordable and much-needed medical or disability insurance... There seems to be some interest in this idea. What do YOU think? Good idea? Let's discuss. If yes, I see two next steps: 1. Form a Board of Advisors to define the mission and vision of the organization and contribute their expertise and knowledge. Not sure of the time commitment needed - probably minimal - perhaps an hour conference call in the next few weeks. 2. Define a list of projects for the Cowork Network and help identify people to assist. Would love to hear your opinions pro or con, on list or off. Thanks, Karen Origlio [EMAIL PROTECTED] --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Coworking group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: New Work City has a home!
Congratulations Tony! What an accomplishment! I look forward to spending some productive time at New Work City. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Coworking group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Assistance is Needed
Hi Jodi, I have some experience editing and can provide feedback. I'll send you suggestions in a Word doc off-list. Congrats on your exciting plans! Karen On Oct 3, 12:29 pm, JDean [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I would like feedback on my cover letter to potential investors. Downtown Fort Wayne is in the critical crossroads of revitalization. In the past three years there has been a strong momentum to add new restaurants, sports facilities, small retailers and technology businesses have been added the current mix. In that same time frame, the central core of Fort Wayne has lost a number of entities, including accounting firms, law practices and investment corporations. Additional private firms may relocate due to today’s technological advances. Therefore in this frequent shift of individuals within the central core, there must be a strong focus on building a critical mass to redensify the area and allow for sustainability. OurSpace Fort Wayne will be coworking site, in downtown, that is planned to to open in Spring, 2009. Coworking is a movement to create cafe-like community/collaboration spaces for entrepreneurs, innovators, developers, writers and others. Although no specific site has been selected, it is believed that the workspace will have room for 30 members per day; a minimum of 45 individuals will use the site per week. Along with a space for work, members will have access to a lounge/kitchen, private offices and conference facilities. To ensure that OurSpace is successful, your assistance is needed. OurSpace will developed with funds from private investors who believe in utilizing innovation, ingenuity and creativy to revitalize and build critical mass in Fort Wayne’s central core . In addition, OurSpace is currently seeking potential members that would benefit from the space’s offerings. Finally, OurSpace is procuring partnerships that will assist members grow and sustain their business, balance work and life and maintain a active lifestyle. Enclosed in this packet of information is an executive summary of the plan and membership rates. A full business plan is available upon request. To obtain additional information or a business plan please contact Jodi Dean, OurSpace founder, at number. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Coworking group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Introduction - What if...?
Hi J.D. Great questions, would love to tap into your expertise in nonprofit management. All the details are TBD - just trying to gauge interest and needs at this point... Thank you for the thought-provoking Qs. Karen On Aug 21, 2:59 pm, JDean [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A few questions, I do have a nonprofit management background: 1. Who will fund the venture? 2. You will be an insurance broker, do you have your licenses? 3. How do you seperate yourself from the numerous other organizations that provide business services; I literally have 12 knocking at my door-step? Thanks, J. D. On Aug 21, 2:27 pm, Karen Origlio [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Everyone, My name is Karen Origlio and I value independence. I understand the need and value of coworking because I have a work-at- home gig. I've been reading the posts here and all kinds of ideas are starting to surface. I’m inspired by the energy, creativity, the get- your-hands-dirty-and-just-do-it attitude of this group, and see potential for coworking as an impetus for positive change on many levels. Unlike many here, I don't think my strength will be starting and running my own space. I've spent 20 years in IT in various roles, developing stuff...currently a project manager, skilled and interested in networking and organizing with an entrepreneurial streak. Just got a brand new MBA to be used in a non-corporate way; I want to foster entreprenuership and small business. I want to see coworking grow to be the de facto standard for how independents work and connect. What if there was a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services for coworking sites and members? Check outwww.coworknetwork.orgtoread more and let me know what you think. I'm interested in all input and comments, pro or con. I look forward to hearing from you. Karen Origlio --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Coworking group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
