Online Social Networks 2001

Proocess

virtual keynote via Placeware. Howard Rheingold, Cliff Figallo, Bernie, Lisa, others
started 15 minutes late due to overloaded phone circuits, staff lacking Plan B
technology: this is a very slow way to conduct a discussion
after half an hour, the conversation flows more smoothly
there are about 25 people participating in this
dogs bark, dial tones interrupt, microphone scratches

This was the concluding "keynote," i.e. synchronous session. For something from the top people in the field, this event felt a little amateurish, right down to having to dial a number on the East Coast to play.

Content:

Leveraging relationships is a core business process
OSN makes conversations possible that were constrained by time and space in the past.

Powerful way to establish trust is to set up relationship in person or via phone before going on line. It gives you another set of cues. Then, if a leader endorses you, it carries over.

The right social infrastructure is as essential as the right technology. Generallly, insufficient thought is dedicated to the human element than the tech side.

Resistance is information. You can't remove a roadblock you haven't identified.

Start small. Howard: Lots of people have no experience with an OSN, and this leads to skepticism. Having an enthusiast show a small win can inform others what an OSN is and does. An example is better than a description. Lot of stealth communicating going on.

Final screen: