- The model you’re describing (inclusive conversations, over time, across content) was something that SF Chronicle prototyped using Discord through their SF Next initiative last year. Never fully took off, but definitely worth iterating on or talking to them about it.
- I’m also interested in the role of physical spaces, given the potential for stronger connection, inherent locality, cultural value, etc of a spot on the block. Are there places where these kinds of conversations about local issues are taking place, and if so, what can we do to augment and connect them? Is creating a new space helpful — and if so, how do you seed it? Currently exploring this in Oakland.
@humphrey Interesting all around, especially the SF Chronicle / Discord. Are you a member / have you been following the KQED Forum's Discord? They're doing some pretty cool stuff with it in the Bay Area, including meetups that blur the lines between online and off https://www.kqed.org/forum
To your 2nd point re: physical spaces, do you know the work of the Trust for Civic Life? They've just announced a round of grants for a bunch of super cool local orgs, mostly in rural areas. Might be some models / orgs you'd be interested in https://trustforciviclife.org/congratulations-2024-civic-hub-grantees/
Your comment about public spaces really resonates with me, particularly as it has become more difficult to assess the authenticity and validity of online content and realness of commentators. Communal IRL spaces seem like a more viable option to have deeper conversations. The issue is that the internet allows liked minded individuals to connect across social boundaries, in IRL you are forced into community based on proximity.
Such excellent and thorough work as always — I can tell I’ll be referencing this frequently ✨ It’s exciting to see others in our space converge on journalism as a key way to ground our work. (https://letsstudio.substack.com/p/on-journalism-democracy-and-design)
- The model you’re describing (inclusive conversations, over time, across content) was something that SF Chronicle prototyped using Discord through their SF Next initiative last year. Never fully took off, but definitely worth iterating on or talking to them about it.
- I’m also interested in the role of physical spaces, given the potential for stronger connection, inherent locality, cultural value, etc of a spot on the block. Are there places where these kinds of conversations about local issues are taking place, and if so, what can we do to augment and connect them? Is creating a new space helpful — and if so, how do you seed it? Currently exploring this in Oakland.
@humphrey Interesting all around, especially the SF Chronicle / Discord. Are you a member / have you been following the KQED Forum's Discord? They're doing some pretty cool stuff with it in the Bay Area, including meetups that blur the lines between online and off https://www.kqed.org/forum
To your 2nd point re: physical spaces, do you know the work of the Trust for Civic Life? They've just announced a round of grants for a bunch of super cool local orgs, mostly in rural areas. Might be some models / orgs you'd be interested in https://trustforciviclife.org/congratulations-2024-civic-hub-grantees/
Your comment about public spaces really resonates with me, particularly as it has become more difficult to assess the authenticity and validity of online content and realness of commentators. Communal IRL spaces seem like a more viable option to have deeper conversations. The issue is that the internet allows liked minded individuals to connect across social boundaries, in IRL you are forced into community based on proximity.
This reminds me of what I've read about Polis, a platform based on Taiwan's experience in generating consensus through discussion.
https://compdemocracy.org/Polis/