[757labs] 757rb users group

[ethan at 757.org]

> Lurker here. Thanks for the info. Also heard about this place from
> 757rb list.  I'm also interested in possibly joining after I figure

Welcome!

> out if I've got the time/resources to do so.  Hey don't forget the
> other costs of running a place like that besides rent. I imagine
> electricity and heat can get expensive in such a large place unless
> this is covered by the landlord.

Oddly enough, power is included in our rent! Yes, I'm serious! This 
doesn't mean we're trying to go balls to the wall with power usage, but at 
least it makes it way easy to budget. :-)

> Maybe running some kind of concessions at the place - sort of scouts
> honor thing so no one has to man it.  Monthly runs to sams/costco for
> sodas/snacks should be all that's needed.
> Charging for one time/half day passes when members  want to bring in a
> friend or two.

We will probably do a "pay actual cost for drinks" or the like. Right now 
we don't have a business license. We're going to wait a bit to make sure 
there is enough interest to sustain the place. One of our members to be, 
his wife has her degree in Non-Profit management, and I believe she is 
interested in helping.

I've had a sole proprietership, LLC and Corporation in the past. There is 
a bit of paperwork involved, and at least with the last one quarterly 
filing of taxes and what not.

Starting off, our goal is to reduce the burden of rent and make sure 
things go. Then figure out the next step after we can clean up the picture 
as to what people are interested in.

> Charging for one time events/training.  Maybe you can get members to
> volunteer their time to set up a training class.  I would love to get
> some lessons on basic electronics/soldering.

There has been much interest in this!! This is one of the earlier things I 
think.

> Anyways, I think you guys are providing a service/place that is
> desperately needed and I'm sure with a little good pr and the right
> product/service mix, you guys could really do well.

Thanks! Just want to make things better in the area.

It's kind of wild how fast the news is spreading :-) Friends are telling 
me their co-coworkers are telling them about it and such.

The hard part in this region is going to be getting people out of their 
homes and active.


--
Ethan O'Toole
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