Difference between revisions of "The Open Lobby"
(Reorganized sections, minor copy-editing; see Talk for other suggstions (Mom)) |
Peteforsyth (talk | contribs) (revert part..not sure why that structure makes more sense to you, but I suspect as I flesh this out, it won't. Examples of "successes" is continuation of intro, not specific to part of project) |
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| − | (Note to anyone stumbling on this page: | + | (Note to anyone stumbling on this page: the "background" section is very much in brainstormy phase. You might want to jump ahead to the other sections, which are a little better thought out!) |
== Background == | == Background == | ||
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Talking about technology and society may bring to mind electronic voting machines, endless blog battles, pervasive advertising, and the like; but this is not the point. Grafting new technology onto outdated systems can be useful at times, but it can also result in problems being "fixed" with surface gloss, or simply obscured by a new layer of expectation. | Talking about technology and society may bring to mind electronic voting machines, endless blog battles, pervasive advertising, and the like; but this is not the point. Grafting new technology onto outdated systems can be useful at times, but it can also result in problems being "fixed" with surface gloss, or simply obscured by a new layer of expectation. | ||
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| + | == Wiki successes == | ||
| + | : Systems that are based on new technology – specifically, wiki-based systems – have proven successful beyond expectation. Wikipedia, an encyclopedia built entirely by volunteers, has yielded some excellent articles. Many of those articles are on topics that are deeply controversial (find good examples) where one might reasonably expect passionate disagreement to prevent meaningful consensus. | ||
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| + | : A specific example: New Zealand set up a [http://wiki.policeact.govt.nz/ wiki-based web site] to capture the public's views on what a new Policing Act might look like; by all reports (see [http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008642855 "New Zealand Launches Wiki To Help Citizens Draft New Law"] and [http://www.stuff.co.nz/4215797a10.html "Police wiki lets you write the law"], it yielded innovative ideas, and was a resounding success. | ||
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| + | : Please see [[Wiki success stories]] for more examples of how various groups have used wiki-based sites to refine information and/or to be more effective and productive. | ||
== Project == | == Project == | ||
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* developing policy proposals | * developing policy proposals | ||
It may be best to focus on the first component, first; but both components will be ongoing. | It may be best to focus on the first component, first; but both components will be ongoing. | ||
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== Develop information resources == | == Develop information resources == | ||
This phase could build on and/or compile a number of existing resources. [[wikipedia:Portal:Oregon|Wikipedia's Oregon portal]] has a lots of good info that's already had broad input, the Secretary of State's web site has a fair amount of information, there are innumerable reports from various commissions, etc. | This phase could build on and/or compile a number of existing resources. [[wikipedia:Portal:Oregon|Wikipedia's Oregon portal]] has a lots of good info that's already had broad input, the Secretary of State's web site has a fair amount of information, there are innumerable reports from various commissions, etc. | ||
This component will probably rely on a wiki-based web site, but other platforms for more structured information (like online databases [[dabbledb.com]] or [[wagn.org]]) may be more appropriate for some content. See [http://wikiprojectoregon.dabbledb.com an example on DabbleDB], a database of (some) Oregon ballot measures. | This component will probably rely on a wiki-based web site, but other platforms for more structured information (like online databases [[dabbledb.com]] or [[wagn.org]]) may be more appropriate for some content. See [http://wikiprojectoregon.dabbledb.com an example on DabbleDB], a database of (some) Oregon ballot measures. | ||
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== Develop policy proposals == | == Develop policy proposals == | ||
Use an online, collaborative process to develop policy recommendations. The idea would be to generate legislation from a truly inclusive process, and thereby influence the relevant legislative body(s) (Portland City Council, Oregon Legislative Assembly, etc.) | Use an online, collaborative process to develop policy recommendations. The idea would be to generate legislation from a truly inclusive process, and thereby influence the relevant legislative body(s) (Portland City Council, Oregon Legislative Assembly, etc.) | ||
This process would rely on wiki software and, most likely, [[Consensus Polling]] or some variant thereof. | This process would rely on wiki software and, most likely, [[Consensus Polling]] or some variant thereof. | ||
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== Side benefits == | == Side benefits == | ||
Revision as of 04:15, 30 December 2007
(Note to anyone stumbling on this page: the "background" section is very much in brainstormy phase. You might want to jump ahead to the other sections, which are a little better thought out!)
Contents
Background
The infrastructure of our world-famous democracy is outdated and crumbling, and the devastating consequences of this sad state of affairs are all around us.
Fortunately, recent technological developments offer new hope of tapping into our collective intelligence and passions, in order to craft a better foundation for our society.
Talking about technology and society may bring to mind electronic voting machines, endless blog battles, pervasive advertising, and the like; but this is not the point. Grafting new technology onto outdated systems can be useful at times, but it can also result in problems being "fixed" with surface gloss, or simply obscured by a new layer of expectation.
Wiki successes
- Systems that are based on new technology – specifically, wiki-based systems – have proven successful beyond expectation. Wikipedia, an encyclopedia built entirely by volunteers, has yielded some excellent articles. Many of those articles are on topics that are deeply controversial (find good examples) where one might reasonably expect passionate disagreement to prevent meaningful consensus.
- A specific example: New Zealand set up a wiki-based web site to capture the public's views on what a new Policing Act might look like; by all reports (see "New Zealand Launches Wiki To Help Citizens Draft New Law" and "Police wiki lets you write the law", it yielded innovative ideas, and was a resounding success.
- Please see Wiki success stories for more examples of how various groups have used wiki-based sites to refine information and/or to be more effective and productive.
Project
The project envisioned will involve two distinct components
- developing objective, factual, and analytical information about how government and society currently operates
- developing policy proposals
It may be best to focus on the first component, first; but both components will be ongoing.
Develop information resources
This phase could build on and/or compile a number of existing resources. Wikipedia's Oregon portal has a lots of good info that's already had broad input, the Secretary of State's web site has a fair amount of information, there are innumerable reports from various commissions, etc.
This component will probably rely on a wiki-based web site, but other platforms for more structured information (like online databases dabbledb.com or wagn.org) may be more appropriate for some content. See an example on DabbleDB, a database of (some) Oregon ballot measures.
Develop policy proposals
Use an online, collaborative process to develop policy recommendations. The idea would be to generate legislation from a truly inclusive process, and thereby influence the relevant legislative body(s) (Portland City Council, Oregon Legislative Assembly, etc.)
This process would rely on wiki software and, most likely, Consensus Polling or some variant thereof.
Side benefits
Potential pitfalls
Decisions, decisions
- What scale to begin on? (Portland? a school district? Multnomah County? statewide?)
