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Following the good advice of a good half dozen folks, here is another version
of the OSLIST FAQ. It should be clear by now that this thing will
evolve over time and that is a good thing. Keep the comments coming.
I'm happy to be an agent of "include and transcend."
<p>Chris
<p><b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">Welcome to the OSLIST Frequently Asked
Questions List</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">This FAQ has been prepared to outline some
of the “givens” around the OSLIST, the online list for Open Space Technology
practitioners. This FAQ does not represent the official position
of the OSLIST membership, but rather, is the result of obersvation and
participation by a few list members who had the passion to create a FAQ.</font>
<p><b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">1. What is Open Space Technology?</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">You'd be surprised how contentious an question
that one can be. Over the years on OSLIST list members have gone
through spells of defining Open Space Technology both explicitly and implicitly.
In fact one of the benefits of being subscribed to this list is that over
time a definition will emerge for each individual that makes sense.</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">Having said that, in 2000 a group of list
members wrestled with the challenge of crafting an Open Space Technology
definition that was 25 words or less, and among the results were the following:</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">“Open Space is based in the belief that
organizations and communities run on passion and responsibility.
It allows groups of any size to self-organize around what they really care
about to get things done.” -- Peg Holman</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">“Open Space Technology is a natural communication
process that recognizes that people take responsibility to pursue what
they are passionate about, and it ensures that what is important to each
participant will be discussed." -- developed by a small group during Birgitt
Williams' Open Space training workshop in Halifax May 15-18, 2000</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">That is the short answer. How this
happens is the interesting part</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">Open Space Technology meetings begin with
all the participants sitting in a circle, and no items on the agenda.
The meeting opens with an agenda setting exercise following which the group
self-organizes into smaller discussion groups. Discussion group convenors
are responsible for providing a report of the discussions, which is immediately
added to a book of proceedings. At the conclusion of the meeting,
or very shortly thereafter, participants receive a copy of the proceedings
including all of the discussion groups’ reports and any action plans that
were developed.</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">Open Space Technology meetings operate
on four principles and one law. The principles are:</font>
<br>
<ul>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Whoever comes is the right people</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Whatever happens is the only thing that could
have happened</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">When it starts is the right time</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">When it’s over it’s over</font></li>
</ul>
<p><br><font face="Arial,Helvetica">And the law is known as The Law of
Two Feet (sometimes referred to as "The Law of Mobility"). It states
that “If you find yourself in a situation where you are neither learning
or contributing, go somewhere where you can.”</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">As a result, Open Space Technology meetings
are characterized by self-organization and high degrees of freedom for
participants.</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">If you want to know more about Open Space
Technology visit the site of the international Open Space Technology
community at <A HREF="http://www.openspaceworld.org">http://www.openspaceworld.org</A> (a companion site to this list)
where you can find an Introduction to OST in many languages and resources
and links to other materials about OST on the Web.</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">For the record, Open Space Technology was
developed by Harrison Owen, a Maryland USA based consultant who was searching
for a way to create better meetings after hearing that the best parts of
a conference he organized were the coffee breaks. Open Space Technology
meetings are still known for capturing the "buzz" that permeates the gathering
and turning it towards action. Harrison wrote "the book" on Open
Space Technology, called "Open Space Technology: A User's Guide" which
serves as an important articulation of the mechanics and meaning of the
process.</font>
<p><b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">2. What is OSLIST?</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">OSLIST is the international mailing list
for Open Space Technology facilitators and those interested in the process.
It is a lively forum with 313 members (as of January 2001) and generates
around 10-15 messages per day, during its most active times.</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">To join OSLIST, or to change your settings,
visit <a href="http://listserv.boisestate.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=oslist&A=1">http://listserv.boisestate.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=oslist&A=1</a>
and fill out the form.</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">You may also join OSLIST by sending a message
to the following address:</font>
<br><font face="Arial,Helvetica"><a href="mailto:listserv@listserv.boisestate.edu">listserv@listserv.boisestate.edu</a>.
IN THE BODY of this message type ONLY the following text: “subscribe oslist”
(don’t type the quotes!). Enter nothing in the SUBJECT field and
nothing else in the message (including, for instance, signatures, addresses,
etc.).</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">Upon successfully registering for the list
you will receive a piece of mail containing useful information about OSLIST
including how to unsubscribe. It’s worthwhile saving this treasure!</font>
<p><b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">3. Is the list archived?</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">Yes, the list is archived, and all material
posted to the list is also posted to the archive. The archive is
publicly accessible, so you may wish to keep this in mind if you choose
to post to the list.</font>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">The archives can be read and searched by
visiting <a href="http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html">http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html</a></font>
<p><b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">4. What is the etiquette for posting
to OSLIST?</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">There are no hard and fast rules about
what to post to OSLIST, but in general people appreciate the following:</font>
<ul>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Questions about working with Open Space Technology</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Answers to relevant questions</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Stories about Open Space Technology meetings</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Poems (there is a regular poetry contest that
happens every six months or so)</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Notices of upcoming Open Space Technology
training or conferences</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Resource material that may be of interest
to Open Space Technology facilitators</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Opportunities and calls for OST facilitators.</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Introductions from new subscribers</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Discussion about theories and ideas that can
help to improve the understanding and practice of Open Space Technology</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Experiences working with Open Space Organizations</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Accounts of other ways of "opening space.".</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Posts in languages other than English are
acceptable. OSLIST has readers who speak German, Swedish, Russian,
Portuguese, Spanish and French among others and items have been posted
in all of these languages in the past.</font></li>
</ul>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">In general, OSLIST users seem to prefer that
people avoid the following:</font>
<ul>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Attachments. Please either post these
to a website and provide the link to the list, or ask people to indicate
if they wish to receive them off list.</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Flaming. We are a pretty congenial group,
and flaming is relatively unknown amongst us. It would be nice to
keep it that way. If you have negative things to say about individuals
it would be appreciated if you could keep them off list.</font></li>
</ul>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">It must also be said that the jury is still
out on small personal notes of appreciation or support to individuals.
Some feel that these are a waste of bandwidth and add to an increasingly
heavy personal email load. Others feel that personal messages of
support sent to the list provide valuable affirmation to individuals by
recognizing them within the worldwide community of Open Space Technology
practitioners. It’s best to use your own judgement on this.
If you do post notes like this to the list, be aware that the reception
of others may be mixed.</font>
<p><b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">5. What other online discussion forums
are there for Open Space Technology practitioners?</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">The two most heavily visited online forums
are as follows:</font>
<ul>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">Worldwide Open Space at <a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org">http://www.openspaceworld.org</a>.
Registration is free.</font></li>
<li>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica">The Meta Network at <a href="http://www.tmn.com/new">http://www.tmn.com/new</a>.
Follow the link to “make a new account” and fill out the form. Where
you are asked for your host or sponsor on The Meta Network enter “Openspace”</font></li>
</ul>
<b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">6. Where can I find out more about Open
Space Technology?</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">The best place to start is at the Open
Space World website which can be found at: <a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/">http://www.openspaceworld.org/</a>.
Here you will find resources for facilitators, links to websites of Open
Space Technology practitioners, stories, poetry, training opportunities,
conference information and more.</font>
<p><b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">7. What is OSonOS?</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">OSonOS stands for “Open Space on Open Space.”
It is an annual event that gathers together 150 or so Open Space Technology
practitioners to spend two or more days discussing issues related to the
practice of Open Space Technology. More information on OSonOS IX
(Vancouver Canada, August 18-21, 2001) can be found at <a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/osonos.html">http://www.openspaceworld.org/osonos.html</a></font>
<p><b><font face="Arial,Helvetica">8. Does the OSLIST really have a Poet
Laureate?</font></b>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica">Of course! The title of OSLIST Poet
Laureate is awarded to the winner of the Biannual OSLIST Restricted Form
Poetry Contest. Anyone may enter this contest, and all list members
have an opportunity to vote for the winner. The winner is responsible
for organizing the next contest. The current OSLIST Poet Laureate
is Jeff Aitken.</font>
<br>
<p><font face="Arial,Helvetica"><font size=-1>Updated February 8, 2001</font></font>
<br><font face="Arial,Helvetica"><font size=-1>Please email any additions
or changes to Chris Corrigan < corcom@interchange.ubc.ca ></font></font>
<br>
<p>--
<br>CHRIS CORRIGAN
<br>Consultation - Facilitation
<br>Open Space Technology
<p><a href="http://www.chriscorrigan.com">http://www.chriscorrigan.com</a>
<p>108-1035 Pacific Street
<br>Vancouver BC
<br>V6E 4G7
<p>Phone: 604.683.3080
<br>Fax: 604.683.3036
<br>corcom@interchange.ubc.ca
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