There is a lot of talk about #tsTO (twitter space Toronto) post #hohoto. I love that there could be free or inexpensive semi-permanent spaces allocated for small project teams interested in idea/development. It is just what this city needs to nurture true innovation, and true team collaboration. Some may argue that this can happen with Social Media tools and Web 2.0 Snake oil but I respectably disagree. #hohoto happened because a group of people met to form nucleus and define general rules for the game, the idea was always open but at anytime there was a team managing it and that’s why it happened. Yes public feedback was a valuable part, so was their participation, but the real work and decision making was done by a small team of motivated people. That’s what we’re talking about here - war rooms, command centers, git’er dun space.

I love the idea of the 70’s ‘home brew computer club’ people finding any space from basements to garages to simply build, socialize and innovate. I think the fact people met in these places using them as club houses is much more productive than any office space or co-work arrangement - in the beginning. Obviously as ideas grow, resources are needed but that’s when discussion on funding, investments in property or work space should happen.

I’m interested in removing the barriers for people starting ideas which is why I’m offering 2 spaces in my new atelier @ 523 Parliament. The 1st space (Heaven) is pretty nice, main floor great lighting etc. available for a 3-4 months until we reno it. The second (Hell) a clean heated basement ready for cheeto finger, mountain dew, code monkey action. That’s it nothing more. You’ll be able to leech my wifi and power all that is asked is that you respect the space and when you can afford it a case of beer would be nice.

* Should add that since it’s my space I’m looking for creatives, coders, designers, #projects not marketing, Pr, social media “experts”, blogger moms/dads etc. Sorry. But not really. Feel free to add to the conversation #tsTO on Twitter or comment below.