Mission
This club will exist as a user’s group for retro/vintage computer/technology enthusiasts. Our goal is to…
- Connect people within the community,
- Preserve computing history,
- Provide educational outreach to the community,
- And share knowledge
Guidelines
- In-person meetings will be held within the metro area of the Twin Cities of Minnesota
- All ages welcome. Anyone under the age of 15 needs to be accompanied by a guardian, unless otherwise discussed.
- All tech is welcome! While the focus is retro/vintage, we welcome any discussion on anything unique/cool/exciting!
- A genuine interest in retro/vintage tech is all you need. Nothing else required – you don’t need a collection or to bring a project – come as you are.
- Leave all politics at the door.
- No sexual content, topics, or discussions.
- This is a safe and inclusive environment. Use inclusive language and keep things appropriate.
- Be respectful. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. No harassment, hate speech, or personal attacks.
What makes something “retro”? What about “vintage”?
- Retro is typically seen as “recent past”
- Vintage is “of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance, or quality”
- Antiques are of a “former/earlier time or period”
A general rule of thumb could be that if it’s supported by a manufacturer, it’s probably not any of the above. While the primary focus is retro/vintage technology and computers, anything tech-related will likely be enjoyed by everyone. Use your best judgement and if you’re unsure, just ask!
What makes something a “computer” or “tech”?
- Who knows!
- Does it have a microchip?
- Devices are welcome! Mini computer, micro computer, semi-modern, cool keyboard, PalmPilot, whatever! Bring you hobbyist things too: Tech/cyberdecks like Beepys, mods to your Wii, if you like it we probably will too.
Communication methods
Getting the word out
- Posters
- Hand-outs at VCF events
- Discord
- Facebook Page (not a Group)
- Meetup.com
- Mastodon
Club communication stack
- Discord: In-club communication and sharing of information
- Google Calendar: Central source of truth for events
- Meetup.com: Source of truth for events and way to find new members
- Website: Blog with updates, source of truth for links, and resources
- Mastodon and Facebook: Social connection to reach out to those both inside and outside the group
- Gmail: Primary email
Meetings
Format
Proposal: Second Sunday of every month from 1-5 PM CT
- 1-2 PM CT: Hangout, unstructured, free table
- 2-4 PM CT: Official meeting business with: A topic, presentations, free discussion
- 4-5 PM CT: Hangout, unstructured, free table, takedown
A “free table” exists for people to place items on to offer them up for free to others in the club! You are required to take whatever you put on the free table back with you if no one takes it. Free table is first-come-first-serve.
A topic will be announced at least 1 week in advance. Presentations and discussions can be “reserved” ahead of time or can be brought in without notice. Reserved spots go first with any remaining time given on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Location
Potential location types...
- Cafe
- Library
- Church
- Community center
Requirements...
- Seating for everyone
- Sturdy and big tables to be able to accommodate CRTs, big towers, etc.
- Power outlets
- Parking lot
- Easy enough ability to get things from the parking lot into the meeting space
Future growth
- Joining up with VCF to have a role in the annual Vintage Computer Festival: Midwest
- Potentially becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit
Inspiration
Organizations
- Vintage Computing Federation
- Atlanta Historical Computing Society
- Free Geek Twin Cities
- Mini’app’les
- Seattle Retro Computing Society
- Chicago Classic Computing
- The Retro-Computing Society of Rhode Island, Inc.
Join the Discord
