I agree that this has been a running problem for us. We don’t need to aim for operating theater clean but a greater degree of orderliness in the front of the house would go a long way selling the place.
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I think part of cleanliness is how we design our space. If there’s lots of storage spaces and unclear tool storage locations (woodshop annex), it’s easy to throw tools under benches, on top of clamp carts, etc.
Having clearly defined tool storage with minimal horizontal space except designated work spaces leads to a cleaner looking space… looking at CA as a perfect example of this.
Sometimes it’s also hard to acknowledge that some making things, while looking messy, are actually clean. Like machine shop. The visual of greasy machines can be shocking until you learn that machines need to be oiled to stay clean. It’s no excuse for chips on the floor or metal stock stacked in a pile, but don’t expect to see a sparkly clean lathe for longer than it takes to turn on.
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I’ve mentioned it before but I’ll throw it out again. A few years ago we were in Taos, NM, just after the “Taos Iron Pour,” an event put on by a local artist collective. For a small fee you could get the materials to make a sand mold to make an iron object (I think that was part of it). At the end of a few days of mold-making, there was a night-time get together, with music, dancing, probably libations. The local community radio station helped publicize it. The artist collective got the furnace going, melted a bunch of iron/steel, and poured everyone’s molds, after dusk, so it was most impressive looking. My understanding was, this was a semi-regular event for a few years.
IMO, DMS needs a regular event like that (or more than one). Something to keep the 'Space in the public eye, to show off what people do at DMS, and capture a few new member eyeballs - the kind of members that stick around. With hands-on audience participation encouraged.
The steamroller printing event is another example. Plano Slingfest and other ballistic events. Model railroad folks and Plastic model groups have annual contests and shows. Combat robot tournaments. Basically, something that maker-type people can look forward to, plan for, and that the media knows will be there for the “quirky feel good local interest story” they need to close the 10:00 news with.
Having a regular event (or more than one) also puts the pressure on to keep the mess picked up (literally and figuratively), since “blankfest is coming up, that guy from the Morning News is coming by next week for pics and interviews.”
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My favorite makerspace event I’ve ever witnessed was Power Tool races in Seattle.
Hack an old power tool to be always on once plugged in, set it up to go down a designated track. Stand really far back. Race.
Awards for best in speed, head on collision, beast jump at the end of the track, and best looking racer.
All narrated by a somewhat inebriated scot yelling over a microphone at a local town fair as part of their advertising scheme.
15/10 experience.
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