The web project is coming on in leaps and bounds. This is a:
1. brief project update
2. call for interested people to join a workgroup
3. bunch of related links at the bottom
1 ::The update bit::
Since we formally launched in late January, we have held a range of brilliantly informative workshops (thank you to those around the UK and beyond), our survey is published and is out gathering data (excellent responses to date, we’re going to push it again), and we have three pilots researching the three key project elements which are either out on the web or awaiting a final sign off from the board. These are all amazing feats.
During this phase, new project research streams have emerged from conversations and the project has found new areas of opportunity around the network...
In the bigger picture of ‘The Web’, the project’s scope is evolving – the project (and its process) was originally focused on building one ‘platform’; there is now increasing awareness of the multitude of Transitioners already happily using a vast array of other platforms…
How can we integrate independent initiatives’ web activities and honour their choices, independence and diversity instead of assuming that they will all want to use one tool?
Meanwhile, many Transitioners have pointed to the importance of retaining our focus on supporting the ‘physical’ aspects of the movement (we are a web already!); tying the web project into the existing processes and supporting not just a platform but an educational and support ‘toolkit’; a routemap to help Transitioners make their own decisions and find and offer support about what web stuff they want to use for their needs…
How can we launch and nurture a living network-owned support and education toolkit?
So… from specifying one piece of software (a platform), the project has evolved a fair amount to take into account the network’s processes, protocols and possible partnerships.
All this is ripe for discussion on the workgroup below:
2:: The call to action bit::
We’re going into a project phase change right now and are inviting your input and support.
As well as the surveys, workshops, interviews and pilots, we have been discussing the project in a separate space (so as not to swamp these forums). This has been a lively, straight talking, yet diplomatic affair.
We have agreed that we’ve had enough talk and want more action. We need to work together to write documents which will form the recommendations later in the project.
These range from technical to social (hosting websites to thinking about routemaps to help non-techs make sense of the web).
In light of this, we have set up a group work space on ‘Wiser Earth’ (an easy to use and useful community web platform with the tools we need). It is an open space, so anyone can read what we’re up to.
If you would like to add thoughts, all you need to do is register on Wiser Earth (no more than 5 minutes). There is an easy howto page telling you how to sign up.
It is open and ready to go. Later this week I will be asking people to identify specific tasks that interest the, so we’ll see the real action kicking off at the end of this week, beginning of next week… but in the meantime…
Wiser Earth work space:
http://www.wiserearth.org/group/transition_webproject
Wiser Earth: getting started howto guide:
http://bit.ly/mkXo
Survey:
http://tinyurl.com/transtion-web-project-survey
Thanks,
Ed