[robcohen]

I disagree, I’ve never found a library hackerspace that I liked. I think the problem is in liability. A real hackerspace has insane liability issues, and city govs are about the most risk averse groups there is.

Unfortunately I think hackerspace on gov property are doomed to never be cool.

[samtho]

I don’t disagree with the assessment that hackerspaces on government property will never be cool, mainly because I think we are beyond the days where being “cool” is a given. There is a distinction I need to make first, however:

The label of hackerspace should really be earned and the spaces that fall into that 10% group demonstrate specific ethos, robust community engagement, and as a result can operate independently.

A makerspace is just a place where you make stuff in and can have or gain some level of access to tools and equipment. It is certainly not as cool as a hackerspace, but its very presence is the prototype for one.

[morkalork]

Does the young person making stuff to sell on Etsy care about how cool the place is? I guess it depends on if you're really looking for a social club.