Space

[Q] What is Hacking?
[A] VHS is founded on the concept of Hacking, which is defined as, “The re-configuring of a system to function in ways not intended by the owner, administrator, or designer.”  For example, circuit bending is a way of creating different noise patterns by taking apart children’s toys that make noise or speak, and quite literally, bending their circuits. Their manufactured purpose may be a learning device for children (as in the “Speak and Spell”), but hackers have re-appropriated the toy as a sound-making machine, which has been used as a musical instrument. The applications of “hacks” are endless and still being explored. Hackers generally spend most of their time tinkering and exploring, which often leads to new inventions or innovations

[Q] Is there a front entrance?
[A] No, But you an enter from the ally behind the building. Please watch the Walk the ally video, or call the space for help.  +1 (778) 785-5982

[Q] What is the Vancouver Hackspace’s phone number?
[A] +1 (778) 785-5982

[Q] I have a question that has not been answered here, Who do I ask?
[A] I would suggest joining the mailing list and send the list your question. Or coming down to the space during one of our events and asking us directly.

[Q] Can my kid join your group?
[A] Yes, well sort of. Our space has tools and chemicals that might harm someone if used incorrectly. We welcome children but if your child is under a certain metal age we would ask that a guardian join them as well.

[Q] Do you have an IRC channel?
[A] Yes, irc://irc.oftc.net/vhs

[Q] Can I bring food and drink to the space?
[A] Yes, BUT we work with a lot of tools and chemicals that might be harmful if ingested.  Watch your food.

[Q] When is the next event?
[A] Check out our calendar or blog for information about the next event.  Most events happen on Tuesday and Thursday.

[Q] Did you hack my sisters/friend/mother/father/girlfriend’s facebook/gmail/hotmail/g+ account?
[A] No. There account got hacked because they used the same password on every site that they register at.

[Q] Will you hack my sisters/friend/mother/father/girlfriend’s facebook/gmail/hotmail/g+ account?
[A] No.

[Q] Will you help me do this illegal thing that I have always wanted to do but don’t have the technical ablity to Google how to do it
[A] No, We are not a group to help you do illegal things.

[Q] Want to blow/kill/hurt somebody or do something illegal, can I talk about it at the space?
[A] No, We will not help you and our space is probably bugged. Don’t talk about that stuff here.

[Q] What is hackers in spaaaaaaaaace ?
[A] We want to go to space. Our governments have failed us and now it is the time of the individual to attempt to explore space.

[Q] How many atoms of oxygen are available in your space?
[A] Over 9000!

[Q] Can I take pictures at the space?
[A] Yes, But please ask before taking pictures of people or peoples’s projects.

[Q] Are you Wiki leaks?
[A] Are you Anonymous?

[Q] Do you have a washroom?
[A] Yes

[Q] Do you have a baby change table?
[A] Not yet, Feel free to build us one

[Q] What is your favorite color?
[A] Currently Cthulhu green

[Q] What does the space look like?
[A] Take a look at this video from Super Happy Hacker House 0E,

[Q] Do you have parking for bikes?
[A] Yes, But not much. We have space for 10 cramped bikes. We can also help you carry your bike up the stairs if you need us to.

[Q] Do you have internet tubes at the space?
[A] Yes we have wireless and wired internet access

[Q] I talked about my super secret project at your space and someone stole it.
[A] Anything you say at the space should will be treated as thou it was spoken in the public. It sucks that they stole your idea and we don’t condone that but if it was a secret it should not have been talked about in a public space.

[Q] Can I use an open flame at the space? Torch, Pottery kilm, ect..
[A] No. We have a No open flame policy

[Q] I am part of the local Law enforcement/Government adjacency, Am I welcome at your space?
[A] Yes, Everyone is welcome.

Please read about VHS Principles of Unity. Specifically:
5) Full Disclosure. Disclose your motives and affiliations.

We may ask you to leave if it becomes a problem for some of our members

[Q] I am a gay bashing, Nazi that believes in things that you don’t, Am I welcome at your space?
[A] Not welcome but you won’t be turned away at the door for your beliefs, occupation, skin color, or anything else.

Please read VHS Principles of Unity. Specifically:
1) Be excellent to each other. No racism, no sexism, no homophobia, no classism.
5) Full Disclosure. Disclose your motives and affiliations.

We may ask you to leave if it becomes a problem for some of our members

[Q] What is this, No “Wires”, No “Guns”, policy?
[A] No Guns, We are not equipped to handle guns. We don’t want them at the space, Don’t bring them. You will be asked to leave.
[A] No Wires, We want to have a welcoming environment. Having people recording what they say does not enforce this principled. We do not check people as they enter the space and we do not monitor for bugs at the space. You should only talk about things here that you would in any other public space.

[Q] Can I bring my really big and powerful laser down to the space.
[A] Sure!, We like lasers.

[Q] What does VHS stand for?

[A] Vancouver Hack Space

[Q] VHS’s location seems sketchy – how safe is it?
[A] VHS is located in the low rent part of town and the ally that you have to pass though to get to the enterence is not that safe by your self. If you have concerns about your safty when comming to the space please call the space number and we will come and get you.

[Q] How does VHS pay the rent?
[A] VHS pays its rent and utility bills via membership dues only. No grants, donations, sponsorship, ect.  We use donated money for extras for the space.

[Q] Can I just show up?
[A] Yes, We have drop in nights every Tuesday & Thursday and special events that can be found in our calendar. People are not always at the space during the week. Please call the space first.

[Q] Do I need to become a member?
[A] Members help us pay our bills, if you show up for more then a few nights we should suggest that you become a VHS member and help support us.

[Q] How can I become a member?
[A] Show up for a few nights and introduce yourself to everyone. Then ask a member to become a member. Its that simple.

[Q] VHS a co-op?
[A] No, VHS is a non-profit society

[Q] How do I donate awesome things to VHS?
[A] Contact us either via out mailing list or showing up to one of the nights and ask the members. No CRTs

[Q] I just finished an awesome project and my partner/family/friends don’t get it. How can I show it off at VHS?
[A] ????

[Q] Who organizes the calendar?
[A] The members, anyone can update the calendar after they become a member.

[Q] How do I host a night?
[A] Suggest it on the mailing list or to some of the members down at the space. if there is interested it will be added to the calendar for a future date.

[Q] Why do the lights flicker when I flush the toilet?
[A] Because its awesome, See  vhs-door

[Q] Is that Vancouver, BC or Vancouver Washington?
[A] 45 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

[Q] What do people build at VHS?
[A] ???

[Q] May I try to repair things at VHS?
[A] ???

[Q] May I bring music to the space to listen to? What format? Will people get mad at me if the music isn’t to their liking?
[A] ???

[Q] Does VHS have a coffee machine?
[A] Yes, Tea and a pop vending machine.

[Q] Can I crash here?
[A] No,

[Q] I’m from out of town, can I visit?
[A] Yes please,

[Q] Do you have a shower?
[A] No

[Q] I have this idea for a startup, are you interested in working for me?
[Q] I’m looking for people to fund my new startup, can you fund me?
[Q] Are you looking to create a startup?
[Q] Can I buy you out?
[Q] Can I purchase more than one membership?
[Q] Are you an incubator?
[Q] Can I rent co-working space?
[Q] When is your IPO?
[A] No, Go away.

[Q] Do you have synergy?
[A] Coming out of our ears, we make it in a drum out in the ally. Your welcome to as much as you can carry.

[Q] Are you an incubator incubator?
[A] Yes, but only for 8 secs a day.

[Q] Are there any plans for daytime meetings? (For those that work nights/afternoons) ?
[A] Yes, we have the ability to have daytime meet ups if members want it.

[Q] So you have videos/podcasts for those who are unable to attend in person?
[A] Soon and only for some talks.

[Q] Why aren’t sea monkeys primates?
[A] ????

[Q] A wizard turns you into a whale. Is this Awesome?
[A] Yes.

[Q] Are you all guys with beards?
[A] No you insensitive clod!, Some of us are also woman. Although most of our male members have some sort of beard. It keeps the Grue away.

[Q] The door is locked. How do I get in?
[A] Ring the door bell, or call the space number.

[Q] If I pay the $25 fee per month, without a key, how do I get in?
[A] Ring the door bell, or call the space number.

[Q] If I pay the $50 fee per month, where do I get a key?
[A] From another key member after the other key members have approved you

[Q] What benefits do I get as a member?
[A] ????

[Q] What can I do if I’m not a member? (Tuesday nights, etc)
[A] ????

[Q] What are the rules for borrowing/taking stuff for projects?
[A] ????

[Q] Is VHS a good place to pick up women/hot bearded men/hot bearded women?
[A] No, VHS is not a Save-On-Meats market. While we are extremely loveable, at VHS we basically want to hack. Be respectful, especially of VHS women. If you are creepy, persistent or touchy, we will be happy to help you leave.

[Q] Is your space wheel-chair friendly?
[A] No,

[Q] What are the acoustics like, echo, etc.?
[A] Its pretty good, No echo .

[Q] What is your Privacy Policy?
[A] ???

[Q] If I’m a member of another Hackerspace, is my membership good here?
[A] Nope.

[Q] Are children allowed in the space?
[A] Yes, supervised

[Q] What do I do if I hurt myself in the space?
[A] ???

[Q] Where is the first aid kit?
[A] Above the sink in the kitchen.

[Q] Can i pay for my membership with equipment? Tools? Bear hugs?
[A] ????

[Q] If equipement is broken, can i try to fix it? Even if its broken after my attempts?
[A] ????

[Q] How to I unsubscribe from the mailing list?
[A] Please read the instructions here https://vancouver.hackspace.ca/wp/mailing-lists/

[Q] I already have the equipment necessary for what I want to do; what are the advantages of being a member in that case?

[Q] Do you have storage for my [project, tools, junk, ...] X? / Do I have to cart my stuff to/from the space every time?

[Q] Some of your nights go very late – is there anywhere close by to get food/drinks?

[Q] I want to learn X [electronics, programming, sewing, drawing, ...], will someone teach me?

[Q] I am learning X, can someone mentor me?

[Q] I want to teach [...], can I?

[Q] I have made X, do you do show-and-tells?

[Q] What equipment do you have available for use in the space?

[Q] Do I have to pay to use any of the equipment?
[A] Nope.

[Q] What should I bring with me to the space for the first time?

[Q] What should I not bring with me to the space?
[A] CRTs

[Q] What do the regulars bring with them to the space?

[Q] How much room will I have to work on my project?

[Q] What is going on in the space next to VHS? west45 studios 
[A] 45WEST studios is a Shared Multi-Use Arts Studio, Here is there calendar/website