User:Mcint/TendingTheCommons

Noisebridge has famously few or minimal rules.

It's not true that there are no rules, but instead true that we ask for, and rely on, good intent, good enough intent, to engage in good faith, especially when requested, or to leave the space.

Contra-indication: Privatizing the commons

In a classic case of a bright red line rule, or maybe I should call it a guideline is: there's no sleeping at noisebridge.

The issue with sleeping in the space, is not: sleeping in the space. The issue with sleeping in the space is that it's an easy bright red line, a clear behavior, common knowledge observable fact, of someone privatizing the commons, someone meeting their needs using the common space of Noisebridge.

We want to be kind, to be giving —— that is one of the natures of the place, of a hacker spirit, giving maybe more of knowledge, tricks, and fun, but giving.

Needs-Taking versus Getting By and Giving

(If noisebridge is where you come to give, you're going to have a better time. If it's where you come to take what you need, people aren't going to be able to give very much, and after a while aren't going to want to. And might have grown tired of dealing with you.)

There's a funny balance. People who need help (in whatever way, there are many ways that people can need help, from psychological to a meal to fixing a stitch or an engaging conversation). If you can meet your needs without unduly, or say excessively, affecting others, then you're welcome to use the space as others make it available.

If you're demanding of a meal—actually, you will often find someone who can help you out—give you the benefit of the doubt that we can engage with you well, and that you have other ways of engaging with the world than just demanding things. Hunger makes us so.

it's tough, you think, only rich people can do this, i've heard this thought expressed. but people who come to noisebridge are not rich in what they earn — other people who earn the same or more can live paycheck to paycheck, always in fear of what they're soon to lose. So, being rich then, is not about earning a lot (that can helpfully contribute), but moreso about choosing to live within your means.

You can decide who you are by deciding your reaction:

1. Oh, Noisebridge is a great big pile of money, I'm going to take some for me.
2. Oh, Noisebridge is a flickering candle, I need to pour in some more wax.

We are faced with this choice every time we visit. Every person who sees you, understands something about what your choosing.

1. 1. Recognition

If you give, widely, and consistently, even if you don't give much, people will know you as someone who gives. This convinces many people to try interacting with you, trusting that it could go well. Some will try to scam you, but many, many more will try to engage productively.

A peace can be formed, but mum must be the word, each visitor's invited, to use, share, give; and shepherd in their turn.