[iDC] iDC digest option & online silence and "infomania"

[Trebor Scholz]

The following guidelines for facilitators of online participatory
projects are based on rules that persistently resurface throughout 
the collaboration studies literature 
(from: "The Participatory Challenge" http://tinyurl.com/2pm5ae)

Start with a core group of users/producers
(a group of 10-15)

Start with relevant, high quality material
(the quality of initial contributions sets the tone and expectation       
for posts to come; it creates the identity of the online space)

Keep contributors informed
(it is not unusual for contributors to drift away after a few initial
interactions with the collaborative system; thus a useful response is to
give contributors an update on what is going on)

Emphasize the benefits
(it is natural for contributors to resist getting involved; hence
facilitators of a social tool need to talk about the advantages of using
it in workshops and face-to-face meetings)

Give individuals credit
(verbal acknowledgment, the pleasure of making a submission, and having
your ideas appreciated contribute to the success of online
collaboration)

Allow for conflict
(controversial debates are important - disagreement fosters engaged,
substantive conversations)

Let the users/producers rule
(trust your contributors to take your system and adapt it to their
needs)

>For collaboration in general, I formulated these guidelines: 

Develop trust and mutual respect

Stick to initially made commitments

Outline clear and attainable short and long-term goals

Define needs/self-interest well

Give reasons behind your thinking

Combine online collaboration with face-to-face meetings to speed up the
process

Be concise, patient, and persistent

Get everybody involved in the process

Develop a clear process including self-reflexive loops

Develop good listening skills 

Pay attention to scale in collaborative groups
(production groups: 4-5 participants)

Put a stop to domineering interruptions and put-downs

Communicate frequently, clearly and openly

Acknowledge upcoming problems

Use facilitators for larger groups

Develop a long-term view

Take a dose of humility

Learn when to let go

==
Trebor S.