Fw: [searchnet] The Math of Networks

Harrison Owen owenhh at mindspring.com
Tue Sep 9 05:23:26 PDT 2003


At 11:58 AM 9/9/2003 +0200, you wrote:
>Hi
>
>Yeah, small world networks are definitely a big part of why Open Space
>works. Actually it's a big part of why the world works :o)
>
>Mark Buchanan has written an excellent and highly readable book called
>"Small world" on this very new and very promising science. I've reviewed
>it here: http://www.kjerulf.com/journal/00000214.htm .
>
>Obvious parallels between small world networks and open space gatherings
>include:
>* Small world networks are highly adaptable, yet very stable - as are
>Open Space gatherings
>* The structure in small worlds networks arises without central planning
>- as in OS
>* Bumblebees can be seen as "weak connections" between tightly knit
>groups - one of the main reasons that small world networks are tightly knit

Right on! Despite the fact that some folks think they actually organize
networks, I think the truth of the matter is that they happen all by
themselves in the way of all self-organizing systems. The critical point of
initiation is the convergence of passion and responsibility -- somebody
cares about something and takes responsibility to talk to others who might
share the care. If the fire of passion ignites -- you have a network. If it
fizzles and goes out in a puff of smoke, you don't -- and no amount of
huffing and puffing will make any difference. Sounds a lot like Open Space
to me.  All of which relates, I guess, to Artur's thoughts about "essential
conditions" . . . Chris put it neatly (although I am not so sure how
elegant I was)  "As for the conditions that make Open Space really hum, I
go back to
Harrison's elegantly stated four: passion, diversity, complexity and
urgency.  The more of each, the better the process works." I think it might
work better if one were to say passion/responsibility --  but anyhow I find
the same essential conditions apply to all useful networks.

ho





Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854 USA
phone 301-365-2093
207-763-3261 (Summer)
Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hhowen/index.htm

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