Located in the [[Intermediate|Intermediate Storage Room]] in K20-1-5, the Vortex is a physical space to dump and look through various items. It physically consists of two tables, the space under as well as a shelf above those tables, and a cardboard box next to the window.

Alternative Names: The Vortex of Doom

== What is it for? ==
There are three major use cases for the vortex:

# '''Removing''' stuff from communal or your private inventory.
# '''Clearing''' a corner of the household.
# '''Adding''' stuff to the household.

1. Someone thinks a certain item should not be part of the Kanthaus household anymore and wants to start the process of getting rid of it. The vortex gives others time to take it back and/or privatize it.

2: When someone tidies up a cluttered space they usually find stuff that is clearly (or maybe) not trash but still does not belong there. Needing to find a good new or the proper previous location is hard and blocks tidying up efforts, so putting these things in the vortex is an appropriate way to go. It should be considered to

3: Sometimes people find stuff that might be useful to the house or individuals, but they’re not really sure. Putting it in the vortex means leaving the decision to communalize or privatize the items to others and just giving them prioritized access before it ends up in the [[Freeshop|Free Shop]] or the trash.

=== [[Processes to manage stuff|Alternatives to the Vortex]] ===
The Vortex gets partly dysfunctional when it overflows. Sometimes it is recommended to use alternative methods in order to reduce stress on the structure, the people using it and the people shifting.

* Use ~stuff to ask for resistance on getting rid of an item. If there's none after a defined timespan, doom the thing. Please do this with large or bulky things.
* Do de-cluttering actions and take care of announcing a "sale" in a reasonable place of the house. If everything is announced in chat, sales do not need to go through the Vortex.

== Vortex categories ==

=== Found randomly ===

* General category - For all items that might have appeared in odd places.
* Items in communal spaces that are not labelled otherwise can be assumed to be communal. Consider using the "communal sorted out" if you want to get rid off it.

=== Communal sorted out ===

* Please attach a sign to the item saying why you want it to go.

* If you sort a labelled item back in, please inform the person who wanted to get rid off it.

=== Private sorted out ===

* For your personal items that you don't want to posess anymore
* '''Short duration:''' items get doomed after phase 1

=== Broken ===

* Put any broken items in here.
* '''Short duration:''' items get doomed after phase 1

== Taking things out of the Vortex ==

=== Phase 1 ===

* personal items to keep them private
* known or assumed communal things to return them to a fitting communal space
* anything from "short duration" categories to privatize or communalize

=== Phase 2 ===

* personal items to keep them private
* anything to communalize it

=== Phase 3 ===

* anything to privatize or communalize it

== Doom ==
Doom is a regular part of life and should not be seen (too) negatively.

Dooming in Kanthaus terms means:

* removing an item from the Kanthaus resources by putting it to the freeshop or the trash
* repurposing an item as e.g. building, crafting or towelette material

Dooming happens after phase 3 (or after phase 1 for short duration categories)

Good items usually go in the [[Freeshop storage|Free Shop Storage]], trash may be put away according to [[Waste management]].

== Shifting ==
‘Vortex shifting’ is a [[Power hour|Power Hour]] task, which means that it ideally happens every week, sometimes more seldom, never more often.

To make it possible for Kanthausians who are not currently in the space to also voice an opinion on the stuff in the vortex, it’s required to document vortex shifts on [[Mattermost]]. Feel free to use the communal phone which should be at the charging dock.

Experience leads to the following best-practice of vortex shifting:

* Start on the back and doom phase 3.
** Make (a) box(es) with things for the Free Shop and bring it there
** Check things you believe might be there in error with people who might know.
** You can communalize things, but consider that they have been in the Vortex for quite some time already
** Don’t be shy to use the trash bins!
* Move phase 2 into phase 3.
** Take pictures and make sure that the things are identifiable. You might add that things are free for everyone in phase 3.
* Check phase 1. Spend some energy to move items to their places in the house.
* Move phase 1
** Doom the "short duration" categories or communalize them to "communal sorted out"
** Move "full duration" categories to phase 2
** Take pictures and make sure the things are identifiable. You might add that things are free to communalize in phase 2 and people should be quick on getting back their personal stuff.
* Upload the pictures to ~stuff on Mattermost and add some descriptive words.

== History ==
[[File:Vortex of doom Tokyo Hackerspace 2013 .jpg|thumb|"Vortex of doom" from Tokyo Hackerspace, 2013]]
The Vortex was developed in response to having too much stuff. Although Kanthaus only came with toilets, radiators and wallpaper, many things were optimistically scavenged in the early days — too optimistically. Yet while people felt OK bringing things, people felt less OK getting rid of things, leading to accumulation. (At this time, the [[Lantern]] was completely filled with possibly-useful-stuff and was called "the crap room".)

Someone decided to look into how other communities deal with this issue. The issue is/was so prevalent in hackerspaces, that the [https://wiki.hackerspaces.org/The_Old_Hardware_Pattern "The Old Hardware Pattern"] was identified in the hackerspace design patterns published in 2007 by Ohlig and Weiler:
<blockquote>
'''Problem'''

You can’t bring in shiny new hardware, as there is no space left. Your space has become a hardware museum filled with junk.

'''Implementation'''

Create a '''pile/stack''' where you put that old, unused hardware on. Let everybody take from it. Anything left within a while '''should be thrown away'''. But make sure you '''announce that step''' not only once, but at least three times with an escalation system.</blockquote>
The 3-week, constant rotation model from the Tokyo Hackerspace (pictured) was more of less directly copied, using a table for each section instead of a box.
[[Category:Power hour]]
[[Category:Maintenance]]

Talk:Stuff

2025-12-13T20:36:10Z

Liou: /* what is this */ new section

== what is this ==

This page looks sad right now and I don't think that there's a chance that this will change.

What do people think, does it make sense to list communal items in a page like this? [[User:Liou|Liou]] ([[User talk:Liou|talk]]) 21:36, 13 December 2025 (CET)

The Vortex

2025-12-08T22:03:13Z

Liou: /* Doom */

The Vortex

2025-12-08T21:56:58Z

Liou: i think it's beautiful

2025-10-25T13:52:31Z

Liou: add picture

File:MultimediaStation.jpg

2025-10-25T13:50:06Z

Liou:

Multimedia Station

2025-10-25T13:45:19Z

Liou: created page

This multimedia station is currently looking for a name. Once it has a name the station will be part of our community.

== How to use ==

=== Turning it on ===

* turn on the socket (the indicator light is not bright)
* turn on the computer
* turn on the projector

=== Turning it off ===

* shut down the computer
* shut down the projector
* the projector might need some time to cool down, so don't turn off the socket immediately

=== Using your own device ===

* there have been problems using the projector with some computers. Feel free to try it out and report
* Sound system can be used by just connecting your device to the 3.5mm Jack plug

== Parts used ==

* remains of Lious old Thinkpad with 4GB of ram, WiFi, USB and HDMI

* projector ThemeScene H073 which apparently only works with VGA signal and 1280*768 resolution. The picture is slightly blurry currently. Maybe there will be a solution with less adapters and a shorter VGA cable
* some mini amplifier + 2 speakers, connects via 3.5 mm jack
* keyboard and mouse which take up the two existing USB ports

Attic usage proposals

2025-10-25T13:04:17Z

Liou: Liou moved page Attic usage proposals to User:Liou/Attic usage proposals: sort of archiving this because i cant delete

#REDIRECT [[User:Liou/Attic usage proposals]]

User:Liou/Attic usage proposals

2025-10-25T13:04:17Z

Liou: Liou moved page Attic usage proposals to User:Liou/Attic usage proposals: sort of archiving this because i cant delete

#REDIRECT [[User:Liou:Attic usage proposals]]

User:Liou/Attic usage proposals

2025-10-25T13:03:48Z

Liou: Liou moved page Attic usage proposals to User:Liou:Attic usage proposals: sort of archiving this because i cant delete

#REDIRECT [[User:Liou:Attic usage proposals]]

User:Liou:Attic usage proposals

2025-10-25T13:03:48Z

Liou: Liou moved page Attic usage proposals to User:Liou:Attic usage proposals: sort of archiving this because i cant delete

Share your ideas and proposals here. If a similiar idea already exists in the pad, think about adding your thoughts there. Don't hesitate to spark discussion, express support etc.

We start with two categories: Overall room_s usage and specific ideas. You may also establish new categories. If you don't want to fit your thought into categories feel free to use the free form section.

== Why this format? ==
This is thought to be a trial in how the wiki can be used to discuss proposals. This could be great for several reasons:

* Most people are familiar with being on wikis and can experience how easy it is to edit them.
** Prefer the good old pad for now? Be very welcome to use the [https://pad.kanthaus.online/f-PsN3ssSdqJvNwFCYwqAg# free form pad]
** Otherwise: Click edit and start wikiing!

* Structure makes overviewing information easier.
* Proposals formulated here can be turned into "proper" pages once they are realized.
** continuous collective upcycling of thoughts -> lower mental resource consumption?
** Having discussion history easily accessible can be good to understand and learn about Kanthaus/attics
* It could help in the process of taking minutes

== Appreciation time ==
''wow wow wow!'' take a moment to give into your emotions about the new [[K20 attic|K20+22 attic]]. Feels great, doesn't it? Would you like to share about your personal connection to the attic rooms?

'''Liou:''' I'm excited about how we can merge differing ideas into something we all stand behind. Also reaally thankful for all the renovating work <3

==Overall room_s usage==
''(Purpose, Atmosphere etc.)''<blockquote>
* Please share reasons and thoughts

* What are possible consequences for existing rooms with a similiar function and social dynamics?
* Depending/neighbouring room usage (possible change to non attic rooms)
</blockquote>

==Specific proposals==
''e.g. furniture, things in the room, painting walls''<blockquote>
* How can we get it done, do you feel responsible, do you wish for support?

* Is regular repro work needed? (cleaning, keeping things tidy, sorting)
* Are there related/similiar functions in other places in Kanthaus (possible change to other rooms?)<br />
</blockquote>

=== Proposal: tea kitchen ===
[Liou]

Where: K22

What: simplified kitchen containing essential tools (water kettle, basin, cups, glasses, thermos, tea, microwave, induction plate)

For whom: mostly for seminar groups using the attic.

Pros:

* Could be easier for groups with people who are new to Kanthaus

*less collision with guests who are mainly there for seminar reasons -> less chaos

Cons:

* Will need some care if used by seminar groups. Could need a lot care if regularly/randomly used for comfort reasons -> have it as an exclusive kitchen?

=== Proposal: Sleeping corner ===
[Janina]

Where: K20, below the garden side window closest to K22

What: (Semi-)permanent bed construction with mattresses stretching along the garden side wall. Could end where the column is located or even go further.

For whom: both groups and residents

Pros:

* mattresses have a clear space
* mattresses are ventilated from below without further action needed
* relatively good use of an otherwise quite unattractive corner

Cons:

* needs to be built
* not all mattresses would be used / fit, so the mattress storage question is still not solved
* makes attic use less flexible

=== Proposal: Office-space ===

* [Liou]

* Where: tbd

* What: 3-4 tables with chairs for office usage.
** "Clear table after use" policy with storage option.
*** idea: Shelf with boxes in stairway.
*** declare option for prolonged use?

* For whom: residents who want to (co-)work in a calmer environment. Also groups.
* Related rooms: Silent office, Fansipan, main office
** Silent office could work with fewer workdesks as a result

* Pros:
** main office can be quite stressful, silent office is not good for coworking.
** clear table policy
**box-based storage option with a shelf

* Cons:
** risk of spreading centrally stored keyboards, mice, screens

== Free form section ==
''Do also feel free to either use the [https://pad.kanthaus.online/f-PsN3ssSdqJvNwFCYwqAg# free form pad] or just start writing here, starting with your own heading. Thoughts from the pad will eventually be transferred to the wiki.''

=== Rob ===

One room without only one purpose. So it can be a more free space to meet without any function or specific Work, to also do things Next to each other (so like right Now in the attic @k20). I think It creates a room to meet on a emotional and social level, because we can share Our need For resting Without Isolating Ourselves. And I think this is very important.

In the other room, i prefer more or less the same, but more focused on sleeping.

Even though its for me clear That both rooms can be reserved for bigger groups and workshops, Because It makes Sense in Functional living and gives options For adapting to different situations And needs.

*Liou: what would be consequences for other rooms?

I think it could be nice, To have Some more "Station", where Specific things Can be done. Like Crafting, making A tee, reading a book (a book shelf with Political, activist, philo literature would be nice, which I could organize, also a carpet)

*Liou: carpets might make it harder to vacuum the attic (esp. for robots)
*Liou: Would there be a change for the other book shelves in the house? possibility for reducing other book shelves?

Compost

2025-09-19T19:37:29Z

Liou:

(Our) compost is the subject of many discussions. This article tries to inform about the current practice of composting in Kanthaus as well as about historical decisions regarding compost.

== Current compost practice, PlaMe #33 2025-09-19 ==
There is an active compost heap in the corner formerly known as wilderness corner. This is next to - but not to be confused with - the so called 'compost corner'. The aim is to have at least one person taking long term responsibility, as in: turning it and making sure it doesn't evolve into a pile of rotting slime.

These organic things don't belong on the compost: Cooked or baked things, products containing meat or dairy, fat.

We don't have separate buckets for organic bin and compost. The default is to collect the organic waste from the kitchens in green buckets and empty them in the organic bin. While preparing food or doing food care people are invited to collect stuff worth composting and to put it on the compost afterwards.

Because of annoyance regarding to many big flies in summer, we won't feed the compost between April and September.

== Historical information ==

=== 2025-03-26: wiki entry ===
We currently aren't composting food waste, and haven't been for over a year. This is due to 1) the work of composting well being significant and 2) there being a collection of organic waste, which we trust to process the waste as-good-or-better than we were able to.

Perhaps we will compost again...

=== 2020-02-13: blog post ===
From the ancient compost corner era [https://kanthaus.online/en/blog/2020-02-13_compost with many interesting insights by a professional gardener]

Compost

2025-09-19T15:39:04Z

Liou: added plame #33, did some rearranging

(Our) compost is the subject of many discussions. This article tries to inform about the current practice of composting in Kanthaus as well as about historical decisions regarding compost.

== Current compost practice, PlaMe #33 2025-09-19 ==
There is an active compost heap in the corner formerly known as wilderness corner. This is next to - but not to be confused with - the so called 'compost corner'. The aim is to have at least one person taking long term responsibility, as in: turning it and making sure it doesn't evolve into a pile of rotting slime.

Three organic things don't belong on the compost: Cooked things, meaty stuff and citrus peels.

We don't have separate buckets for organic bin and compost. The default is to collect the organic waste from the kitchens in green buckets and empty them in the organic bin. While preparing food or doing food care people are invited to collect stuff worth composting and to put it on the compost afterwards.

Because of annoyance regarding to many big flies in summer, we won't feed the compost between April and September.

== Historical information ==

=== 2025-03-26: wiki entry ===
We currently aren't composting food waste, and haven't been for over a year. This is due to 1) the work of composting well being significant and 2) there being a collection of organic waste, which we trust to process the waste as-good-or-better than we were able to.

Perhaps we will compost again...

=== 2020-02-13: blog post ===
From the ancient compost corner era [https://kanthaus.online/en/blog/2020-02-13_compost with many interesting insights by a professional gardener]

User:Liou/Waste management

2025-08-07T20:30:06Z

Liou: Liou moved page User:Liou/Waste management to Waste management: ready for main wiki

#REDIRECT [[Waste management]]

Waste management

2025-08-07T20:30:06Z

Liou: Liou moved page User:Liou/Waste management to Waste management: ready for main wiki

== Waste management ==
We all know that lot's of things which are considered waste can be very valuable. It's great to learn and teach about repairing and upcycling. But there comes the point where we have to get rid of some of the potential in order to give our souls some rest.

This page wants to inform about how different materials are handled and where they are stored. Also there's information on recycling places and landfills and guides on what to put in which bin.

== Different kinds of materials ==

=== Old textiles ===

* pure cotton things can be turned into butt towels
* textile without holes can go to Free Shop first
* with holes/sorted out/broken: old textile containers in the city or at Wertstoffhof Kell
* oily rags and similar: black bin

=== Paper/cardboard ===

* Paper could be sold at TIAx but is probably not worth the effort. Off to the blue bin!
* Cardboard should get folded and put in the blue bin
* banana boxes are nice so consider keeping them

=== Bottles and Jars ===

* size 77 jars and lids are being kept
* the rest gets collected in K20-basement
* empty bottles and jars go into the recycling containers that are around the town (Lidl parking lot)
* deposit (Pfand) can be returned best at Rewe

=== Organic ===

* everything organic, can be accompanied by some paper
* messy egg boxes

=== Compost ===

* most organic stuff
* no: cooked things, meat, citrus

=== Construction waste ===

* tiles, bricks, stone, concrete, ceramics, porcellain
* depending on the place it's more or less important to have purely mineral waste

=== Wood ===

* there are 4 categories of Altholz and it can be quite expensive to dispose of

=== Metal ===

* we keep some things out of metal for building and soldering in K18 basement
* most things can be collected and sold at TIAx, alternatively people like to come by and collect it for free

=== Electric devices ===

* to do: find out if TIAx also takes it

=== Batteries ===

* non-rechargables can be brought to any supermarket from time to time
* rechargables and devices containing rechargables are stored waterproof outside, can be brought to Kell from time to time

=== Paint ===

* let it dry in the sun, as soon as the surface cracks it can be put into the black bin

=== Hazardous stuff ===

* this is a quite wide variety. Generelly store outside and rainsafe.
* Schadstoffmobil takes some stuff but by far not everything
* ZAW Cröbern probably takes most stuff

== Black bin ==

* Each emptying costs 10€. Please consider some things when using it.

=== Yes ===

* small amounts of broken porcellain and mixed construction waste
* smaller sized glued or painted wood
* dry paint
* floor sweepings
* old dirty rags

=== No ===

* bulky stuff
* metal (better collect and sell)
* stuff that can also go in other bins
* textile that's not super destroyed

== Yellow bin ==

* Packaging material (styrofoam, plastic, tin, containers, plastic bags, wrapping foil, to-go-cups)
* some sources say that it's okay to put small amounts of hard plastics in the yellow bin

== Blue bin ==

* Paper
* Folded cardboard
* If they're too full, you can climb in and trample the contents down

== Construction waste ==

* Kell Wertstoffhof takes it for 10€ per 100kg (not sure if this is true as there's old KH information saying 15€/ton)
* TiAx is offering containers (5,7,10m³), costs are about 130€ + 27,50€ per ton (source: phone call 6/25). Additionally needs [https://www.wurzen.de/buergerservice/dienstleistungen/containerstellung-900000049-0.html?myMedium=1 Antrag] to place container on the street.
* [https://www.dsb-degenhardt.de/kontakt DSB Degenhardt], Grube Lübschütz. Nice place and probably cheapest and easiest option for up until 1.5 tons. About 10€ per m³ (guess)
* ancient Kanthaus sources say Alba takes construction waste for 32,47€/ton

== Recycling places ==

=== Kell Wertstoffhof Wurzen ===

* public recycling place where they take a wide variety of stuff
* opening hours: tu-fr, 09:00-17:00
** also open @2nd saturday of each month, where they also take hazardous material (Schadstoffmobil)
* most services here are free for Wurzeners
** they could ask for a proof of residency
** there's a limit on how much bulky waste you can dump (something like 2 m³)

==== What they take and how they want you to seperate ====

*Bulky waste/Sperrmüll
**glued wood, pressboard panels, tapestry, bulky plastic stuff
*Electric waste/cable stuff without batteries or solar panels
*Batteries, accumulators
*Scrap Metal (better sell it at TiAx)
*Textiles
*Construction waste (10€ per 100 kg)

=== [https://tiax-recycling.de TIAx Transport und Recycling] ===

* place to sell mainly scrap metal (mixed and or sorted)
* they say prices are based on the daily value.
** mixed scrap metal: 128€ per ton (03/2025)
* opening hours: mo-fr, 07:00-12:00 & 13:00-16:00

=== [https://www.dsb-degenhardt.de/kontakt Grube Lübschütz, DSB Degenhardt] ===

* opening hours: mo-fr 7:00-16:00. from april to october until 17:00 and also on saturdays until 12:00
* [https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4784787415 B107, 800 meters to Lübschütz coming from B6.] 7,5km from KH

=== [https://www.wev-sachsen.de/2025/06/10/fuer-unsere-kleinanlieferer-noch-einfacher-entsorgen-ab-1-juli-2025/ Zentraldeponie Cröbern] [https://www.zaw-sachsen.de/entsorgung/privatpersonen-und-kleingewerbe/ - Zweckverband Abfallwirtschaft Westsachsen] ===

* far away, only reasonable for some special stuff

* Am Westufer 3, 04463 Großpösna/OT Störmthal

* Telefon: 034299 705-0 ; E-Mail: info@zaw-sachsen.de
* Mo-Fr 16-19:00

=== [https://www.remondis-sachsen.de/standort-trebsen/ Remondis Recyclinghof Trebsen] ===

* similiar to Kell Wurzen

=== [https://sachsen.alba.info/unternehmen/standorte/detail/standort-wurzen/ Alba Wurzen] ===

* similiar to Kell Wurzen (probably)

== Things we keep which might be considered trash elsewhere ==
* Egg cartons
* candle butts
* soap bar remainings
* kitchen sponges

2025-01-29T08:47:36Z

Liou: list fixing

👗 Everything concerning laundry - be it dirty or clean.

== Communal clothing ==
Since everything in Kanthaus is communal by default, this is the main section.

=== Dirty laundry sorting ===
Dirty laundry can be put into the laundry containers in the [[Main bathroom|Main Bathroom]] (K20-2-1b). When those are full they go to the fitting sections in the [[Washing room|Washing Room]] K20-0-1b.

The categories are as follows:

* 40°C: Standard laundry (e.g. most clothes)

* 60°C: Hygiene laundry (e.g. underwear, socks, tissues, bed sheets, towels)

* 90°C: Kill-everything laundry (e.g. kitchen towels, butt towels)

=== Wet laundry ===
Spaces to dry laundry are: - the outside clothes lines - the [[2nd bathroom|2nd Bathroom]] in K22-2-2 - if need be more mobile drying racks can be put up in ventilated rooms

=== Dry laundry ===
Clothes baskets can be found in the [[Washing room|Washing Room]]. Often they are also left right beside the drying rack and can be used to take down the laundry when dry. Dry communal laundry goes into the [[Communal closet|Communal Closet]]. Just leave the basket on the floor, sorting it in can be done during [[Power hour|Power Hour]].

== Private clothing ==
If you stay only for a short time or have clothes which you don’t want to share, you should not put them in the laundry baskets - chances are high that you won’t find you stuff again in a reasonable amount of time. Simply run a machine yourself; it should be adequately labeled to make it doable. Please make sure that you have enough things to wash, so that the machine is full, or add some Kanthaus pieces.

When drying your private clothing make sure you somehow label them as yours. Otherwise they might end up in the [[Communal closet|Communal Closet]] after all.