Halx

This is an open invitation to collaboration on my project Tilted Cafe. This project is intended to organize ideas and resources for the manifestation of the TFP in real life. I'm looking for people who are critical in business, resourceful in research, experienced in entrepreneurial ventures, or are just plain interested in the development of this project. Either post here or send me a PM if you'd like access. Not all requests will be granted, but it's not some exclusive club... I just want to invite more than a peanut gallery at first.

Feel free to ask questions about the project and I'll be sure to answer them as best I can.

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Sultana

I'm interested.

You had me at all those interesting alliterations. :P

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MexicanOnABike

care to explain a little more about this idea? I'd like to understand a bit more.

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Halx

Well, the simple explanation is... consider what TFP is and how it would translate into a real life venue.

With the right location and the right spin, we could replicate the discussion, learning, socializing, networking, sharing, and spirit of the TFP in an actual place where you can visit. The general idea has been laid out, as well as a description of the scope... the brass tacks have yet to be hammered in.

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MSD

I can see the forum anyway. Can I come in?

Willravel

What about different sections of the Cafe like General Discussion, Newbies, Member's Playground, Nonsense, and a locked back room called Trampoline?

Are we talking NYC?

NoSoup

I'm interested

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Just in case you were wondering...

Halx

MSD, sure.

will, no individual rooms... all one big room. NYC is the ideal place to have it.

NoSoup, good.

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Sultana

Well, living on the other side of the country, I don't know how useful I can actually be to this.


By the way, I love my friends too much to cook for them.

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"Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath.
At night, the ice weasels come." -

Matt Groening

My goal? To fulfill my potential.

pig

I'm certainly interested in the project; however I don't know how useful I can be, given time and location constraints. Regardless, hope you're able to make it work...the restaurant/bar business is a bitch, etc.

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Giant Hamburger

I am rarely helpful in real life applications.

kurty[B]

Halx, are you looking for a restaurant/bar atmosphere? Like a small open diner, with the right feel where the cook and waitress are conversing with customers, and customers with others. Something without seperate tables so that people get to sit with others?

Or, are you looking to do something completely different? Something outside a food and beverage realm?

Halx

For those commenting, I'm not looking for physical help. I'm looking for conceptual and knowledgeable help, as well as opinions. So, it doesn't matter if you're in Cali, Canada, Zimbabwe or Pakistan, if you're interested, you can help.

kurt, The atmosphere will be almost like a cafe/intimate theatre/gallery.. a mix.. it's definitely something new. The layout will be a comfortable setting where people have access to anyone in the room at any time.

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ubertuber

I've been thinking about ng's layout comments. I'm a big fan of using structural solutions to influence culture.

Go check out Shalel, which is in my old hood. I'm wondering whether a "pod" layout or an open one would be better... Anyway, that place is worth going to anyway. Take zkara on her next visit.

Shalel Lounge

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sadistikdreams

I'm in.

I'm across the country, but I can do.... Something, I'm sure.

RickB

I'm interested in this.

Halx

I've added those who said they were interested to the access list and the invites are still open. I am looking to get people who want to help and can get excited for new ideas.

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The_Jazz

Opinions are like assholes - everyone's got one. If you want mine, you're welcome to it, although the asshole's exit only, thankyouverymuch.

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Halx

I will add that I've sorta seen the light when it comes to speculative work. I'm not asking for free jobs. All I'd like are suggestions. If you are a skilled worker in the various fields that I need, I will gladly pay you for your services.

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tecoyah

I will gladly help....if required.

Willravel

Hey, you've got your old suit on. Good to see the familiar name, tec.

777

Hey, sounds great. Only thing is that we can't all be in the same place at once. How about we do it as a conference call?

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tecoyah

Same Tec....different suit...heh.

OK, so I have decided to take this Idea and run with it. I am in the process of developing a business plan, with eventual intent of submitting it to the SBA for appoval thru my local credit union. At this point I am in development stages, but intend to make a place called "Forum" a reality within 6 months.

Updates will be forthcoming, but any input is more than welcome.....Hint Hint Halx...

I. General Company Description
What business will you be in? Forum will be a form of entertainment, unlike the current coffee house trend in that it caters to an expanding market of internet savvy patrons intent on exploring what might blossom from real world encounters with the people they have met online.
What will you do? This establishment will create a safehouse atmosphere, a shaperone if you will, that lightens moods and allows for relaxed and informal interaction between individuals. In the background of this primary goal is a pleasant Café atmosphere handcrafted to embody the next generations desires of comfort and an internet ready home for those who just want to get away from the day to day.
Mission Statement: Forum intends to push the Cyber world into this reality we call life. By setting the stage for personal interaction based on cyber knowledge we hope to allow a macro community to be formed. The evolution of the Idea will become nationwide, with branches of Forum in cities thoughout the United States depending on demand. The launch of a website corresponding to this Idea will allow for a moderate understanding of this demand, and help define new branches as needed.



..................................................

Leto

Sounds like fun Halx, Sultana, since you (and us) are not in NYC, perhaps we could set up some kind of "virtual" TFP, where we all could join in on the discussion using electronic media. Internet connections could be employed to join us together in a forum, which could be up and running at the same time. This electronic gathering place can be front and centre in the NYC location and perhaps web enabled cameras can be brought in to render a face-to-face experience.

tecoyah

You mean...like a big screen connected to webcams in a cafe?


Hmmmm.......

merlin

If you're not that experienced in business, consider checking out SCORE:

http://www.score.org/

It's free. I believe if you request a counselor, a retired CEO or some sort of advisor can offer you advice for setting up a certain type of business. I haven't used them though, so post your experience if you decide to try it out.

Good luck! I'd love to stop by a TFP cafe when I visit NY

tecoyah

The Small Buisiness Association has offered councelling, and I will be taking them up on the offer (actually required to be taken seriously by them), I first need to complete the buisiness plan, and send a hard copy to the offices, and they will need to evaluate the viability before consideration. Still...I am going to look into your option as well....certainly cant hurt...thanks.

part II

Company Goals and Objectives: The primary goal of Forum, is of course viability. To accomplish this end, we intend to become an integral part of internet forum software by collaborating with software developers in order to become a part of online forum software as an addon to such programs as Vbulletin, Quicksilver, etc…. By becoming fused into forum communities we feel a continuous stream of interest will come to fruition. As this service becomes normalized as a means of actualizing community physical connection we will expand into new markets where required and desired.
Business Philosophy: The most important part of this business venture will be a continuous guage of community needs This will be accomplished by regular interaction over the blanket forum software, and locally through in house evaluation. Customer input will be invaluable to growth of the industry, and should be an integral part of company philosophy.






Again....any input from you folks would be greatly appreciated.

streak_56

I'm interested in the development of this idea. I like the setting but the only question I have is what is the ultimate we're trying to achieve? A trendy "hotspot" for enlightened people to come? Or something of a more business nature where the owner (Halx) is out to make money. Or is it more like a religious movement of the TFPers?

777

Here's a site I came across the other day. I think I found in PC magazine.

http://www.connect12.com/

It's simple to use, and works very well. A mod can set it up, and we can have a live discussion I even "tested" it by calling all the lines where I used to work Great fun.

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Roger Zelazny

Crack

Hal, for you, I will move to NY and serve drinks.

Seriously.

Count me in on whatever you are doing.

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Leto

Yes! this would add a certain 'high tech' element to the whole endeavour.

EaseUp

How will you wield the banstick?

LoganSnake

A plunk on the head. Duh.

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