[A] Vancouver Hack Space. Our full, official, name is Vancouver Hack Space Society (as we’re a not-for-profit society), Please note that it is “hack space”, not one word – this often a source of confusion.
[A] VHS strives to be inclusive to all people. We abide by our Principles of Unity:
See our house rules for more background.
[A] VHS is founded on the concept of Hacking, which is defined as, “The reconfiguring 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 literally bending the 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] Can you help me access someone’s computer, email account, or find my laptop? [A] No, absolutely not. Do NOT email us your request. VHS is not a service for hacking in to your girlfriend’s computer, or retrieving personal information that may be criminal in nature. We will also not retrieve your stolen laptop for you. We hack on gadgets, crafts, and the world around us – we make and improve, not crack and destroy.
[Q] When can I come check out the space? [A] Most nights there is someone available that will be able to show you around, but Tuesdays are open house nights. For other times, see http://isvhsopen.com.
Once again: http://isvhsopen.com.
[A] Members help us pay our bills, if you show up for more then a few nights we would suggest that you become a VHS member and help support us.
[A] See the Membership page for details. Also come on in when VHS is open and introduce yourself, see what people are working on, and bring your project.
[A] No, VHS is a non-profit society.
[A] If a keyholder is in the space, the side door will be unlocked. If no keyholder is present, either call the space number, post a message on Slack, or post a thread on the forums to see if anyone is planning to open the space soon. You can also check http://isvhsopen.com.
[A] After you have been a regular member for at least a month, you can post a thread on Talk requesting approval. Assuming you get vouched (most are), you will receive more information one week later from the membership coordinator. If this seems a bit confusing, the easiest way forward is to simply come down to the space and talk to someone.
[A] From the Membership Coordinator after the other key members have approved you.
[A] As a keyholder you get 24/7 access. As a voting member you get to vote at our annual general meetings. Members are allowed in the space at any time there is a keyholding member present, even outside of regular open nights.
[A] Come down on an open night and find out.
[A] Yes, supervised by you.
[A] Sure! Sell them and use the money to pay your dues.
[A] The VHS is a great place to collaborate, show off your work, or get help with something you are stuck on. Sometimes a change of perspective is all you need.
[A] Send an email to our membership co-ordinator at membership@vanhack.ca and tell them that you are cancelling. You also have to log in to your paypal account and cancel your recurring payment.
[A] Yes! It’s actually the side (don’t use the front), but you can call the space if you have issues: +1 (778) 330-1234.
[A] +1 (778) 330-1234. It’ll be answered if somebody is nearby the phone, assuming they realize what the noise is coming from.
[A] Awesome! Check our Instagram!
[A] Yes, there is lots of room inside.
[A] There is City of Vancouver street parking in the neighbourhood. Please follow parking bylaws.
[A] We have a loading bay door that enters right from the alley beside Woodland Dr. The washroom hallway is too narrow for wheelchairs, but we’re working on getting permits to punch a hole through a wall to widen it up. If you need the loading bay door opened, please call the space phone number (778-330-1234) and we will open it for you.
[A] Yes.
[A] No.
[A] Absolutely! The shop sometimes generates loud noises, so be aware if that is a problem.
[A] Yes, there a lots of rolling desk chairs, and we also have some comfortable couches.
[A] No. It is often pretty quiet, especially if there is a class going on, but if someone doing metalwork or woodwork, we have ear plugs and over-ear ear protection that may help.
[A] There is a coffee shop, Uprising Breads on the same block, and a multitude of other food and beverage venues very nearby.
[A] Yes. We have an espresso machine that is usually stocked – feel free to bring in beans!
[A] Currently pretty echoey.
[A] Yes we have wireless and wired internet access
[A] Knock, or call the space number (+1 (778) 330-1234), or become a key-holding member so you can open the door yourself, 24/7!
[A] There are several first-aid kits in the space, all of which should have been pointed out to you during your orientation on your first visit. If you need more than a band-aid then you should seek medical help. Report all accidents to directors@vanhack.ca please.
[A] There is a kit in a red backpack near the main entrance, and a large white first aid kit and eyewash station near the machining tools.
[A] Check out our calendar for information about the next event. Most events happen on Tuesday and Thursday.
[A] The members; anyone can update the calendar after they become a member.
[A] Suggest it on the forums or to some of the members down at the space. If there is interest it will be added to the calendar for a future date.
[A] Yes, we have the ability to have daytime meet-ups if members want it.
[A] The list is exhaustive and ever-changing. Come down and see for yourself. We’re big on electronics, crafting, machining, and programming. Expect to see plenty of related tools.
[A] Generally, no. We might cough and discretely point to the donatio(n) jar. Tools that require special training or certification are unavailable to the public though (but these are only the larger tools like the CNC milling machine and laser cutter).
[A] Enthusiasm.
[A] Anticipation.
[A] Most likely, yes.
[A] If it’s broken you probably can’t make it worse. Please clean up after yourself when you are done.
[A] VHS is not a laser cutting service (we will not cut it for you). VHS has a laser cutter that can be used by our members after they get fully trained on the equipment (then you can cut it yourself).
[A] No
[A] Nope, But you could consider donating the equipment to us.
[A] Nope, Consider http://vancouvertoollibrary.com/
[A] No. VHS has members. There are no employees or volunteers.
[A] Yes and no. VHS has members, many of whom volunteer their time to maintain and improve the space. If you see something we should be doing, or doing more of, come down to one of our open nights and see if membership makes sense for you! (Spoiler: yes, yes it does.) Education
[A] Ask in the forums if someone wants to run a workshop! The skillset of our members are vast.
[A] Please do! Ask on the VHS forums to gauge interest.
[A] Post on the forums and show off your project. We love hearing about the creation process! Also bring it down on an open evening.
[A] We often refer to the VHS forums as simply “Talk” since the website is at https://talk.vanhack.ca/. This is where most online discussion and communication takes place.
[A] The members category is for members only and is used to talk about internal issues such as:
[A] Yes, BUT we work with a lot of tools and chemicals that might be harmful if ingested. Watch your food.
[A] Yes, but please respect the privacy of others and ask before taking pictures of people or people’s projects.
[A] Yes, with your supervision. Our space has tools and chemicals that might harm someone if used incorrectly.
[A] People are not always at the space during the week. Please check the calendar or call the space first. Check isvhsopen.com to see if the space is currently open.
[A] Yes please, visit us!
[A] Yes. Bring your music. VHS has a TV/media centre with Chromecast for streaming YouTube and internet radio. People here are nice!
[A] Yes.
[A] Maybe. Take it out to the loading bay, be extra cautious, and keep a fire extinguisher at hand.
[A] Maybe. “Pack it in, pack it out” is one of our rules, but we have small bins storage that you can purchase a pre-approved bin for.
[A] No. We are not a group to help you do illegal things.
[A] No. We will not help you, but we may help you leave. Don’t do about that stuff here.
[A] No. Their account got hacked because they used the same password for everything.
[A] No.
[A] No.
[A] CRTs. Also guns, drugs, or any other illegal material.
[A] No. VHS is not zoned for residential use and members may not live in the space. There is a no sleeping policy. People found sleeping at VHS will be given Sharpie facial tattoos.
[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] Are you an incubator?
[Q] Can I rent co-working space?
[Q] When is your IPO?
[Q] Can I get a refund for my membership dues?
[A] No. Go away.
[A] No. 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.
[A] Please don’t. We’re not a library but http://vancouvertoollibrary.com/ is.
[A] VHS pays its rent and utility bills via membership dues only. No grants, donations, sponsorship, etc. We use donated money for extras for the space.
[A] VHS should be treated as a public space. As such you have little expectation of privacy.
[A] Anything you say at the space should will be treated as though 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.
[A] Offer the items on the forums. If you are leaving something at the space for someone, please label it so that it doesn’t get thrown out.
[A] Call the space phone number, show up to any regular scheduled open night, or check isvhsopen.com.
[A] I would suggest joining the forums and ask your question there. The forums are open to members and non-members alike. Alternatively, come down to the space during one of our events and asking us directly.
[A] If you see something that needs doing, why aren’t you doing it? – A do-ocracy (also sometimes do-opoly, which is a more obvious pun on “duopoly”) is an organizational structure in which individuals choose roles and tasks for themselves and execute them. Responsibilities attach to people who do the work, rather than elected or selected officials.
[A] Read the VHS Bylaws as well as our Code of Conduct, and Grievance Procedure.
[A] Send an email to membership@vanhack.ca and log in to Paypal and cancel your recurring payment. You are responsible for this, we have no control over your account.
[A] As long as your purchase was pre-approved by the boards of directors, fill in the expense claim form and submit copies of your receipts to directors@vanhack.ca and finance@vanhack.ca. The Treasurer will write out a cheque to you and must have another director sign it as well.