The Infoshop is Not the Revolution...But It Sure Helps to Have One Around

From the Autonomen of Germany and Europe to the DIY punk and anarchist movement(s) of North America to the radical movements of the Philippines and many other regions of the world, autonomous/independent radically-oriented spaces of one sort or another, many of which fit under the general rubric of "infoshops", are essential to building and maintaining radical communities of resistance for the long haul. Some long-lived and well-rooted examples here in the u.s. of a. include the good ol' (aptly named) Long Haul Infoshop in Berkeley, and closer to home the Civic Media Center in Gainesville, FL. Infoshops come and infoshops go, all too often w/in a couple years. Let's talk theory and praxis for how (and how not!) to build and sustain them, w/ out letting 'em consume the energy and action orientation of radical communities. Successful radical spaces are platforms, hubs, and epicenters upon which action is built/ from which action springs. What are some lessons, positive and negative, that infoshop folks can bring to the movement? Let's find out! We here at CMC have 16 years of experience, both ups and downs, to share, and lots of ideas on how to do it better and where to take it as things heat up...and we're sure other FL infoshoppers have great stuff to share as well. We'd like to host a conversation, network, and build infoshop solidarity, as well as learn the lessons our various histories provide.