What questions, suggestions, etc. do you have about this project?

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This feels so exciting and so fabulous - AND I wonder how easy it is for a new person to "find their way into" this whole project - especially if they haven't really thought about it yet, or been part of the in-person gathering to design it, etc.

The "How to Write a Pattern" piece is invaluable and really makes a difference, but is it enough? Is there a conceptual learning curve that needs to be addressed alongside the necessary technological learnings?

I'd love to hear what others think...

  --Amy Lenzo.....Tue Jul 07 16:24:01 -0700 2009

wow, I am so excited to have found you! What a great project, I am eager to share it with others and use it as a resource! thanks folks!

  --Dawn Smith (Not signed in).....Sat Nov 07 11:12:22 -0800 2009

I am wondering where the visual map part of this Wagn that Vine programmed.

  --Kaliya Hamlin.....Mon Jan 25 12:41:10 -0800 2010

See Complete Map for now; eventually they'll appear on each Pattern card.

In "A Pattern Language" the patterns link, but they also nest, so it's possible to swiftly and easily flip to the place where your focus of interest is. I suggest that nesting patterns will make this a much more usable web site. On the home page I suggest that entry points might be "Purpose of the group" and "boundaries of the group" and "goals of this gathering." It seems to me that knowing these three components are essential to any next step in doing anything with a group. So, I suggest these as entry portals and then from the answers to these questions, the web site will link to the next appropriate level of pattern choices.

I think "decision making, "information sharing" and "building group connection" are three separate and distinct purposes of gathering together and that these different purposes lead to different gathering structures.

For decision making, a next pattern would be "choosing a decision making structure."

Whether I'm facilitating a meeting or setting up a party, "preparation" makes a huge difference in the outcome. And whether I'm doing a meeting or a party, it's also important to clearly communicate "transitions within the gathering" part of which is a "clear opening ritual" and "clear closing ritual" as well as "clear transitions within the gathering." And whether it's a party or a meeting it's important to "identify the locus of power" the DJ? the facilitator? rotating leadership? Whoever is making decisions needs to be clear.

"Physical comfort"is hugely important in the outcome of any gathering of humans (and probably other life forms as well). I think I pay more attention to setting up the space, providing treats, getting comfy chairs or cushions, getting the room temperature right than any other facilitator I know. Consequently, I have a reputation for being a good facilitator. But I think it is my paying attention to the comfort of the meeting (or party) attendees and so improving their mood and ability to focus that makes the meetings go smoothly. This could be called "prepare the space."

For meetings, "Roberts Rules of Order" have been the defining structure for decision making meetings for a hundred years and ought to be referenced, and, probably, included.

"Humor" as a tool for any gathering might be one pattern to include. I have a tendency to use humor in meetings and it has been a very powerful tool for making heavy emotional issues work better. And I've also made some big mistakes. It is a powerful tool that can go awry, but should be included.

And, of course, the all important "post mortem" (or whatever you want to call it) Was the party a success? Did the meeting actually come to a decision? What could make it better next time? How and when to gather this information is vitally important and every organizer I know gives short shrift to this pattern. So "Gathering after-gathering analysis" and then "Acting on the after-gathering information" are culminating parts of the nested patterns.

These are my thoughts of the moment. I hope some of them prove useful.

This is a worthy task you have undertaken.

  --Keenan Dakota (Not signed in).....Wed Feb 24 18:59:40 -0800 2010