using a wiki to post OS topics before Opening the Space]

Thu Jan 4 17:48:05 PST 2007

Thank you for that example provided by Frank. That is another feather to our hat in helping the clients who want to prepare that way. 

I also with Harrison's reservations about topics pre-posted. The richness is in being there and experiencing the cream that's floating at the top of the milk at that moment....and enriching it exponentialy.

Happy New Year to all,

Diane G.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Diane Brandon 
  To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 9:45 AM
  Subject: Re: using a wiki to post OS topics before Opening the Space]

  I'm enjoying what Frank has set up at http://newenglandsos.wetpaint.com/page/REGISTRATION
  No topics, but a sense of who is coming, for networking, carpooling, etc. 
  Browse around the site -- interesting options for sharing of responsibilities.

  Diane 

  On Jan 2, 2007, at 9:22 AM, Phelim McDermott wrote:

    What I find interesting about the dynamic of preposting is that it starts to limit my imagination about what the event is going to be like and then consequently whether i will come or not. 

    "Oh it's them/me going on about that issue again! etc.. 

    If I don't know what the issues are going to be they are all bubbling away in my mind and the event is as exciting or as boring as MY imagination makes it and they are My dreams and demons... As soon as the issues are stated then it easy for me to become separate from that process. For me it's as pointless or as uninspiring as trying to imagine whether an improvised gig is going to be fun or not.. or for that matter trying to plan for that by thinking of some funny jokes beforehand..!

    ..... now about those New Year's Resolutions.

    Have a good one!

    Phelim
    On 2 Jan 2007, at 06:13, Michael Herman wrote:

      what i usually tell clients is that an OS meeting is a fantastic opportunity.  once the whole group is in the room, everyone can realize this immediately.  now things that were previously unthinkable are suddenly not only thinkable, but actionable.  so the opportunity is very clear as soon as we get everyone in teh room... and until then, it's hard to imagine what issues could be raised, because most folks won't appreciate or imagine just how much energy and attention will be available in the room.  so i mostly encourage not posting topics.  if they're wiki people, sometimes what we've done is post answers to "why i'm coming", mostly to give people a way to start thinking and imagining who will be there.  

      mh

      On 1/1/07, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
        For me the real issue is -- when is space open, and what sort of space? I have seen organizations that use wiki-type format all the time, and so when they do an OST, it is just an extension, but in a different format. I think it is radically different if the wiki stuff takes on the life and function of "planning" the meeting." At that point it seems to me that it becomes quite counterproductive, and actually closes space before it ever truly opens. In the worst case scenario, people get stuck with the agenda they posted (on wiki or whatever) simply because they posted it. Hoisted on their own petard so to speak. The old argument that pre-planning the agenda insures that no issue is lost, and further that thinking about the issues before arrival raises quality is a dog the won't hunt, I think. Sounds very logical, but I have never seen a shred of evidence that it was valid. Indeed quite the opposite. Pre-planned agendas insure irrelevance – yesterday's news! Worse than that, it is boring.

        Harrison

        Harrison Owen

        7808 River Falls Drive

        Potomac, Maryland   20854

        Phone 301-365-2093

        Skype hhowen

        Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com 

        Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org

        Personal website www.ho-image.com 

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        -----Original Message-----
        From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Ted Ernst
        Sent: Monday, January 01, 2007 12:14 PM
        To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
        Subject: Re: using a wiki to post OS topics before Opening the Space]

        On the other hand, I've experienced this phenomenon as well, and the vast majority of attendees won't have seen the pre-announced topics, nor remember the ones they read, so the self-organization and chaos of the opening is preserved AND those that are very interested in what a person says about herself, can make sure to find and meet that person.  Again, this is self-organization.  We wouldn't want to forbid pre-posting of topics, would we?  That seems contrary to our role as facilitators. 

        peace,
        ted

        On 1/1/07, Kerry < k at napuk.demon.co.uk> wrote:

        Hi

        I, for one, do not feel it is a good idea to post issues before an
        event.  If this is done, it will lead people to form responses in
        advance and defend them during discussions in breakout groups, which
        will leave people less open to hearing new views.

        It also diminishes the chaos at the beginning of events when issues
        start tumbling out and people start to get excited and decide where
        they want to work .

        All the very best in 2007!  May your space continue to open.

        Cheers

        Kerry
        Edinburgh
        www.openfutures.com

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