Conference: This project has never had a physical conference that I’m aware of. I think it’s time for one. I would propose that we host it here in Austin as we seem to have some energy around the subject. What type of conference? At this point, I’m torn between two extremes. One is a conference of those working in the various areas to exchange information, build collaborations and advance the state of the art. The other is one whose purpose is to teach others about the tools and how to use them.

Training/Seminars: This would be a vehicle to teach the tools, techniques and applications. It could be physical on web based. If we charged for these, it could provide some income for the effort. Maybe…if there is any real interest now. That’s something I don’t have a real sense of – just how much demand is there?

Book: We could organize and write a new book.

Interview series: Interviews via the web of people working on projects in the field. Again a team of people.

Collaboration: Collaborative development of the structure and processes to operationalize extreme democracy. Development of diffusion program.

Research: Research into the current and future utilization of the tools and techniques.

Organization: If we wanted to get more formal about this and be able to receive funding, we’ll probably need to form a nonprofit organization, association or a consortium. Or, make this a formal program of an existing one.

Multimedia Presentation: really slick mulitimedia presentation that effectively communicates the power of the technology.

Infrastructure: The social technologies don't really have an agenda although many people would ascribe an agenda to the technologies. But...as a Marshall McLuhan advocate, they do alter the way that we perceive, think and act. As McLuhan said, "The medium is message." And, indeed it is. Perhaps our role could be to provide the infrastructure for the technologies to be used for change. One way that could be done is to build the baddest web site around on the social technologies and their applications. This could be a resource for those with agendas or candidates or issues to use effectively in their pursuits. We would be contributing to the development of that altered perception...

Book Chapter: Write a chapter for the upcoming book - Handbook of Research on Electronic Collaboration and Organizational Synergy, Editors: Janet Salmons, Ph.D. and Lynn Wilson, Ph.D. They do not have a chapter on the use of technology in democratic processes, but would like one. It's a very short deadline, but I think we could get an extension (10/15). To find out more read the Guidlines.