soapbox Archives

Building Together Doesn’t Come from Shared Skill, but Shared Humanity

Matt McEntee is a generalist maker and artist currently based in Northwest DC. His ongoing practice, The Make Fix Anything Project, will help you (yea you!) make or fix nearly anything for free. McEntee was once run over by a cow.

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March 7th, 2017March 6th, 2017

Sometimes it’s simple to fix things. Sometimes it’s incredibly difficult.

YouTube’s Close-Knit Community of Makers

By Gareth Branwyn

Gareth Branwyn

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

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@garethb2

October 25th, 2016October 25th, 2017

A growing community of video makers who support, collaborate, and riff off of each other.

Even if You Don’t Make Things, You’re Important to the Community

By Caleb Kraft

Caleb Kraft

I get ridiculously excited seeing people make things. I just want to revel in the creativity I see in makers. My favorite thing in the world is sharing a maker's story. find me at CalebKraft.com

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@calebkraft

October 11th, 2016October 10th, 2016

Your role in the maker community doesn’t depend on physically making something

Mentorship Makes a Difference in Schools and Education

By Julian Waters

Julian Waters

Julian Waters is currently a 17 year old senior at Western Albemarle High School in Crozet, Virginia. A life-long Virginia native, Julian has attended public school in Albemarle County for his entire student career. For the past four years Julian has had a strong interest in the hobby of Model Airplanes and Drones, and has used his passion for flight to start a drone club at his high school and an aviation workshop at a nearby middle school. He has been involved with Albemarle County Public Schools for the past year in developing groundbreaking educational policy and promoting student voice and leadership, and hopes to continue his work in the future.

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October 7th, 2016November 1st, 2016

Students pursuing education on their own terms need teachers and administrators willing to work with them and provide mentorship.