At 08:51 12/4/96 -0800, Katy Barber wrote:
>Moonshadow wrote:
> I for one am a radical, militant, *non-violent*,
>> anarchist, environmental/social justice activist and I'm a very
>> strong believer in building community (communually organized
>> housing even), and in consensus process.
>
>
> I am also interested in consensus process--something that is talked
>about a lot at the university I work and am a student at but isn't often
>practiced. But as a lurker on this list and others, I wonder how
>consensus methods could possibly work on the net, a space in which who
>is part of the conversation isn't known, where it is easy to participate
>unevenly or not at all, and where a few voices seem to dominate the
>discussion (that is not a slight to those who do participate but perhaps
>a criticism of those, like myself, who often don't).
Hmmmmmm ... a very good question! I think consensus process on the net,
whether email list, or news/chat group is much more difficult than in
the "real" world. One thing that is important to remember is consensus
is best used when there are decisions to be made ... in such situations
one would hope all the participants are known. I realize some decisions
*are* made in situations where all participants *are not* known, and
this introduces an element of uncertainty around whether or not everyone
has been heard and their concerns answered/dealt with.
In discussion groups, I think a better process is one that embodies
civility in the discussions. Using ground rules against personal
attack and flaming are examples of how this can be effected. Moderated
email lists/discussion groups are another response, but in that situation
the choice of what is "seen" (or said) is left up to the moderator ...
perhaps a benevolent situation, but a dictatorship nonetheless.
Ultimately, on the net, it is the responsibility of those who are
on an email list/discussion forum to make their concerns and views
known since there is really no other way of being made aware of their
presence and concerns. I realize there is the issue of feeling safe
in revealing one's presence, and this too is an issue in consensus
process in "real" (as opposed to virtual) forums--a group may operate
on consensus process, but that does not make it safe. Safety can
be an illusory thing in both real and virtual interactions, and can
only be insured by the actions of all who participate.
Just a few musings on the topic ......... Moonshadow
--
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"When a woman seriously asks herself what it |
means to be a woman she is pulling at a | <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
thread that can unravel an entire culture." | <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
| http://www.persephone.org/
Kim Chernin - "Reinventing Eve" |
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>From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thu Dec 5 08:44:11 1996
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 1996 10:44:07 -0500 (EST)
From: kirstin fearnley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: STUDIES IN WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENT <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: holiday cards
i thought i would share this holiday idea with everyone on the list as it
pertains to the idea of reusing and recycling.
st. jude's ranch for children accepts used holiday cards that they then
turn into new cards for the following year. i thought this was a really
neet idea that is environmentally friendly and filled with the spirit of
holiday charity.
here's the address:
St. Jude's Ranch for Children
100 St. Jude Street
Boulder City, NV 89005
-kirstin
