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Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

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Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#41
Some thoughts:

Actively blocking cell phone signals might be illegal depending on your country - but building a faraday cage isn't.

Given how much of your identity a phone has become, and how easily someone could take my identity over if they had access to my device, only death or threat of deadly force will separate me from mine. If you want to go for the "handing in" approach, maybe small lockers are ok (especially so if they are padlock-operated and I bring my own padlock). Bonus points for being able to charge the battery in these (Like the phone charging boxes often present at airports)

In Europe, there are several places that offer "connectionfree vacations", often in remote valleys, often in monasteries (sometimes run by clergy, sometimes not) with thick walls.

Such a "cell" would be best if it not only had a desk, but also something more comfortable, like a couch. Bonus points for the ability to get cold and/or hot beverages on-site.

I'd pay a monthly membership fee of around 50 Euros for this.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#42

Blunt feedback: This isn't a startup. You're looking at the intersection of people who: * Need to get away from distractions. * Lack self-control to reduce distractions themselves. * ...but do have discipline to check in regularly to this distraction-detox zone. * Have something they can do to fill up time that doesn't require connectivity. No google docs, and no streaming music. * Are not claustrophobic. * Will visi…

There are centers in India where many people pay for a very very similar concept. They are called "Vipassana" centers ( people are not allowed to talk also ). The whole idea is to detox ( no internet / mobile / even talking ), people collectively do Yoga, and eat/drink all natural food for a couple of days.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#43

Blunt feedback: This isn't a startup. You're looking at the intersection of people who: * Need to get away from distractions. * Lack self-control to reduce distractions themselves. * ...but do have discipline to check in regularly to this distraction-detox zone. * Have something they can do to fill up time that doesn't require connectivity. No google docs, and no streaming music. * Are not claustrophobic. * Will visi…

There are centers in India where many people pay for a very very similar concept. They are called "Vipassana" centers ( people are not allowed to talk also ). The whole idea is to detox ( no internet / mobile / even talking ), people collectively do Yoga, and eat/drink all natural food for a couple of days.

Sorry, but shouldn't Vipassana be free..? I have been in few meditation camps in Europe for 10 day silent meditation courses (loved it), but I was told it was free by design..?

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There are centers in India where many people pay for a very very similar concept. They are called "Vipassana" centers ( people are not allowed to talk also ). The whole idea is to detox ( no internet / mobile / even talking ), people collectively do Yoga, and eat/drink all natural food for a couple of days.

Sorry, but shouldn't Vipassana be free..? I have been in few meditation camps in Europe for 10 day silent meditation courses (loved it), but I was told it was free by design..?

If it includes stay, they generally charge some amount. ( Basically Stay + food )

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#46
post #34

I think a quiet booth in gyms would be an ideal model. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand.

I saw this concept in Paris where a co-working space is embedded in gym and some other hipstery stuff. Of course they call themselves "the future of work" and a "living lab"

https://lamanufacture.fr

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sorry, but shouldn't Vipassana be free..? I have been in few meditation camps in Europe for 10 day silent meditation courses (loved it), but I was told it was free by design..?

If it includes stay, they generally charge some amount. ( Basically Stay + food )

The Dhamma centers I've seen only ask for a donation in the height for what you would have otherwise spent on stay + food, and only ask for a donation if you complete the course.
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