Tools

= Q&A =


 * Allow users to post questions which can be easily accessed and answered by the entire network
 * internal "ask for help" system which includes
 * asking questions (including reward system, both in terms of money/micropayments and karma),
 * commenting / clarifying questions,
 * providing answers/solutions,
 * discussion of answers/solutions,
 * rating of answers and questions (which could be accumulated into a community wide "karma" system to supplement the accreditation mechanism)

Examples:
 * http://www.starmind.com (Trox is in contact with them)

= Tutorial =


 * To allow Fab Labs to share best practice about achieving sustainability at individual labs in a tutorial based format

= Directory =


 * A searchable database of Fab Lab expertise
 * directory of capabilities, needs to be "certified" in some way (probably fab central style) -- on the level of labs and individuals
 * Register of Fab Labs avaiable for single product fabrication or low volume production - i.e. Ponoko or 100k Garages

= Collaborative Projects =


 * A method for Fab Lab users to contribute towards Fab Lab projects which can be described online - similar to open-source software development

= E-commerce =


 * A from of E-commerce which enables agreement of fees for assistance and also the payment and receipt of such fees

= Tendering =


 * A method/platform for potential Fab Lab clients to put out calls for tender to the Fab ecosystem
 * Fab Labs and Fab Lab commercial users paying for other Fab Lab expertise by the hour/day