An organization for tough times

The real networkOpen Source in the Flesh

Problem?

Many “Networks” look like thisThey are controlled by the centre

Tension is now high - The Big Guy in the centre has to get a return on their costsThe folks out on the periphery want more flexibility in both content and costs

The folks on the edge usually only talk to complainAs times get tougher - the love gets less and the angst gets more

CBS/CBS/NPRNPRAPAP

StationStation

Problem?

The problem is the power issues relating to designThe Centre mediates all

The flows tend to be from the centre out

CBS/CBS/NPRNPRAPAP

StationStation

A Real NetworkHere is a real example of another way

The PEI Bio Alliance is a tiny (3 person)unit whose job it is to serve the larger PEI Bio

Alliance

This is a cluster of research, private companies,and government that is developing

a bio science cluster on PEI

Our first attempt at this failed as we put at the centre

one of the principals

When we a unit at the centre whoseonly role was to serve the whole

it took off

The story of good idea, failure and success is

here

If we become a real network..

What would this be like?How would we get there?

What would be the impact? Why do group-forming networks add such

value?

What?

Development PhaseWe fund/find a Host to help us learn howTo operate a pool/exchange of content

To attract new partnersTo get the funding to grow the network

The new work in the centreis Hosting

is Facilitatingis Serving

Facilitator

What?Partners?•The old system Centre•Media of all types•Social Media Education?•Libraries•Other Media Organizations•United Way and NGO’s•Museums•Funders/Foundations

Host/Facilitator?•Not the old centre•1-2 people•Connects, builds the Pool

Governance?•Key Members of Pool•Sets the DNA of Membership

Implementation PhaseThe full time host expands the network - new members/partners - join board ofthe Pool - model very close to that of Visa International or how Open Source software is created.

Pool

Facilitator

SM Edu

What?Group forming is the mostpowerful process that wecan use now

Nothing else creates the ROIthat Group Forming can do

As the scale of interaction grows more global via the Internet, isn't it possible that a combination of social capital and GFN capital will drive prosperity to those who recognize the value of network structures that support free and responsible association for common purposes?

David Reed - Sneaky Exponential

Impact for the Community?

The Work•Inform - Context•Connect - Form Groups•So that the community can Act/Do

The Result•The network expands beyond media•Includes an ever wider pool•Community capacity is created

Pool

Facilitator

SM Edu

Impact for Media

Pool

Facilitator

SM Edu

Impact for All

As social capital builds - so the community improves on all aspects

Robert Putnam

Sustainable System

We will have a self-sustaining system