Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get authorized to use all this equipment?

You would need to be a member first, then it depends on the tool or equipment you're talking about. Short answer: look for an equipment label on things, which leads you to a wiki page about the thing, that tells you how to get authorized on that thing. You can also ask the area's Area Host or Volunteer Authorizer, but that information should also be on the wiki page for the thing. https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/How_Do_I_Get_Authorized%3F

How about a tour?

We have an open house every Tuesday at 8:00pm, the public or anyone interested is welcome to attend if you sign our [liability waiver] and conduct yourself to the standards that our membership agreement demands of members and guests. Large groups could contact the PR Director, email [email protected], for tours.

Hi! I found you online, how can I learn more about your organization?

You're already on our wiki, so you aren't doing bad. Our regular web site is at http://pumpingstationone.org and we're on all the usual social media things, except SnapChat maybe. In person, you can come to an open house on Tuesdays at 8 pm or an orientation held (usually) the fourth Sunday of each month at 4 pm. Look for monthly orientations on Meetup.com or our event calendar, on the regular web site.

Do I have to RSVP or join as a member to attend Orientation?

No, but it is nice to RSVP and if you RSVP through the Meetup.com event, you'll be notified if the orientation is cancelled or changed. Orientation is open to the public.

I love Pumping Station: One! How do I join?

Sign up for a membership with payments through PayPal, then go through the quick list in the member manual. You have to start paying dues, then have your government-issued ID checked by two different authorized members. There is a PayPal link and some instructions on the "Join Us" tab on our web site, which you can also get to by clicking the "Join Us" button on our Facebook page.

You have a <awesome tool>? That's awesome! How can I use it?

The space and it's equipment and tools for the use of members, and each thing often requires individual authorization to use, and authorization requires that you become a member. The authorization process varies from tool to tool. There may be more information about it on a particular tool's wiki page. You need to be a member first, then get authorized, if authorization is required for that thing.

Because authorization is done by other members who volunteer to help you, you might have to wait a while for an opportunity to be authorized. There are no day passes or shorter-term arrangements other than monthly membership, and there are no paid staff; we're an all-volunteer organization.

I have some equipment I would like to donate.

OK, maybe! We do accept cash donations, but equipment donation has to be accepted by someone before it is dropped off. Post on our mailing list (Google Groups at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/pumping-station-one-public) what the equipment is, and have an area host or member acknowledge that they want the equipment before bringing it in. Do not leave things at the space without making appropriate arrangements first.

So I showed up and possibly joined, but I can't figure out how this place works. What's the deal?

If you started a PayPal payment, you will still need to have your ID checked by 2 authorized members. The easiest way to find them is to show up for a Tuesday night member meeting. If you think you "possibly" are a member, did you get an email with your door access code? If you did not, then you haven't completed the process yet. Check your spam folder/filter for emails from [email protected] or [email protected] You should attend an orientation, as soon as you can after joining, within the first three months of joining. For a little self-reading - Pumping Station: One is a Do-ocracy. Read that link, it's important. As a member, as long as you Just Fucking Do It and Be excellent to each other you'll be ok. Also, look at our new member information packet.

Can my nerdy meetup meet at Pumping Station: One?

For your meetup to meet at our space, you need a member to host and sponsor the meetup (i.e. attend the whole time you're there and be responsible for you) and if it's going to take a lot of space or a long time or otherwise inhibit the normal use of the space, talk about it on the public mailing list to generate some more member interest and talk to the board of directors to get it on the calendar. Your meetup also should probably have something to do with making/hacking things.

Can children come to the space?

People under the age of 18 can come to the space, if they are accompanied by their legal guardian at all times. You must be 18 to join as a member.

Do you offer coworking space?

Members have 24/7 access to the space and there are tables, chairs, coffee makers and wifi access points. No reserved or dedicated space; we share everything and clean up after ourselves. However, full members (not starving hacker members) are provided a shelf or locker to store their personal things in and we have some limited space for longer term projects that is negotiated on a case-by-case basis with that area's Area Host and the rest of the members.

May I get on the roof to see the TARDIS?

The TARDIS is not currently parked at these space-time coordinates. There is no roof access without using a ladder and we really don't let anyone up there without a Good Reason, but if it reappears in the future (or in the past) we might consider a tour of the vast, spacious interior of the TARDIS.