Memberships

Of course, no one's made a page on this obvious topic. Memberships provide a major center of on-going revenue for a space, along with event sales, sale of goods, and donations.

Kickstarter has proven that tiered participation equals more participation. Suggested monthly membership structure (and their benefits):

• $5, Member: Cool membership card, free access to space whenever it’s open, free wifi, email address.
• $25, Hacker: T-shirt, adds use of house computers, Linux account, and small storage locker.
• $125, Maker: Adds use of machines for steel, wood, plastic, bigger storage.
• $500, Crew: Gets 24-hr access code for the space, large semi-permanent floor-space or a bunk at the loft.

Additionally, there can be one-time or annual supporter levels for those who believe in the mission (aka "matrons and patrons"). These can be material assets for the space or cash. General structure:

• $2,500, Matron or Patron. Gets acknowledged on website and any publications.
• $10,000, Shareholder. As above and bi-annual shareholder update.
• $50K, Sponsor. As above with placard or other visible logo at the space. Can receive updates as desired.
• $250K, Board member. Can sit on the board and guide the movement’s development.
• $1M+, Angel who wants to change the world. Talk to us directly.

A free “day pass” could be considered for those who want to try-out the space, engage community members, and get comfortable. Such pass should have contact info, wifi password (applicable in spaces without good network admin support), and during initial period can act as a coupon good for $3 off initial, base membership. If people aren’t willing or able to pay $2 for a month’s worth of access to the space, then they shouldn't be in the space (for they don't understand or value it).

For starving artists, an art and projects fund should be made to co-pay the desired membership level as long as they are willing to pay the minimal membership of $5/month. Memberships should not be a barrier to participation for any willing and interested community member.

For corporate sponsors, they can donate goods or dollars and get their logo mounted in the space as long as it's within your mission and for as long as their donations are used ("these parts donated to you by Radio Hausen.").