I’ve noticed that my Fine Art background and to some extent my temperament has put me rather at odds at times with this idea of communal working.

Quite often the kind of work I make requires a lot of peace and quiet, patience and a steady hand, so to some extent, the idea of a “communal work space” often fills me with dread. I may be imagining it incorrectly, but to my mind, there’s nothing worse than trying to do a very accurate brush stroke with a paint brush when someone’s having a loud conversation, or playing their latest MP3 to someone.

That goes for my particular discipline, but further, I would say that my temperament as such means that whilst I can gain a lot from being around lots of people for a while, I can only cope with it for about 2 hours before I need to go elsewhere and digest everything I’ve heard.

In terms of psychological profiling, (something like the Myers-Briggs type Indicator), I think it’s interesting that our culture tends to favour people who are extroverted go-getters – something that a workspace like the one you’re suggesting would suit very well.

However, there may well be people who whilst they are happier working away on the quiet in their bedroom, would still relish the ability to “drop in” and share themselves around for shorter spaces of time – to be able to spend time with people, to give and to receive, but to then be able to digest in privacy, and ponder what this means. This is why “tuttle-style” suits me a bit better. I’m introverted, but it’s still important for me to be around people, to a degree that is appropriate for me.

My guess is that a good 40% of people wanting to do what you’re talking about will be similarly shy.

I’m not sure how that works with your space, and how you get that to work with the fact that you have to cover a cost. Most of my money goes on a studio space in isolation from the rest of the world, in order to have some silence. I’d love to pay some more and be part of a communal space as well, but not sure that I could afford both.

I think some sort of “drop-in” element would still do what you want, and would also fill the gap that you’re seeing in the Medway area. It could also work as a “feed-in” for people who lack confidence and want to test the waters before committing to paying to be there full-time.

Sorry that’s all a bit of a splurge – hope you can get some benefit out of my randomness. I may yet have more thoughts – will send them as they occur. :-)

If youre not already a member, do join the coworking google group:

http://groups.google.com/group/coworking

Recent discussions include one about Workspace Vancouver closing – a great coworking space started by Bill MacEwan whom I had the pleasure of speaking to when I was in Toronto and he was first starting the place up. He has some great advice re business models so thought Id throw the link in. I love his final quote:

The only way it will work is if you succeed in building not just a space, but a club.

short url:
http://icanhaz.com/billscoworkingtips

full url:
http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/browse_thread/thread/6ca2d4a01b0ec65e/dd80a293b3b063a9#dd80a293b3b063a9

Steve

Cheers!

Neil

If I can help out at all I’m around for another year. I agree there seems to be alot of underground activity in Medway that has yet to come out so getting it to gather in one place would be a brilliant idea.

—
Carl

Thanks for sharing your proposal – you’re definitely right that it is on the long side, but I had a chance to pick through it while on the train this morning.

The justification as to focusing on Kent seems pretty sound – it sounds like you have the community there, and one of the things I keep finding everywhere I go is that there’s never enough good readily available space for mid-sized technologist gatherings. So kudos for taking the initiative.

The only thing that’s jumping out as a possible red flag to me is the financial model. Under the proposed 8-10 freelancers at £100-150 a month, you’re looking at coming very close to the mere break-even point with what your expected monthly costs are. It’s clear your cognizant of this, you may just want to sketch out the potential budget further.

Also: be sure to keep in mind the overhead of keeping the space functional. Will you need someone managing space/desk bookings? Taking the trash out? Replacing lightbulbs? Stocking the fridge? A lot of these you could certainly tell the community to DIY, but the more DIY load you add, the less appealing the venture may be to others. There’s a balance that can be struck, I’m sure.

But past that, I’m jealous that you’ve found what sounds to be a great space to leverage for the community. More power to you!

I’d offer to help, but it’s a bit far for me to get to Kent from NYC.

Cheers!
—

Would love to see how it develops

Julius

The company I’m currently working for have been using a lot of freelancers recently, especially developers, in order to reach some tight deadlines, but we’ve had to bring them in house which has made our small office even more cramped than usual, I had to share a desk with someone for a week.

If there’s a man to get such a venture rolling, I reckon it’s you Carl!

These guys don’t need someone looking over their shoulder, but could remain easily contactable be being in a central space and obviously benefit from having lots of other creative types around them.

To have a space where they could come in and set-up quickly and flexibly, and that potential clients could find them easily, would seem to me to be a massive plus.