In his talk on “Science and Practice of Cooperation” (see Video below thx David Hodgson for sharing) Harvard Professor Yochai Benkler develops the idea of systems of self-interest and systems of collaboration. In terms of computer hardware and software these systems could be identified with people like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates on the one hand and networks and developments like Linux and Open Source on the other. In terms of knowledge transfer they could have representatives like Encyclopaedia Britannica and Wikipedia. Yochai Benkler is not a complete critic of the system of self-interest although he presents ample evidence that systems of collaboration are not only feasible, but also more sustainable and human.
In my article on the development of a common coworking platform, I introduced the idea of “decision by consensus” (Systemisches Konsensieren). In his comment to the article Morten Årstad was so kind to mention the English Wikipedia Article on “Consensus decision-making“ I had not been aware of. On studying the Wikipedia article, I noticed that the work of the three Germans (Visotschnig, Schrotta & Paulus) is not known by Non-German speakers. I therefore decided to set up piratepad to develop the subject further. I believe that it is quite likely that there are also other authors and practitioners in other languages whose work is not known beyond their mother tongue. I think we should collect this work and develop it for “Free Coworking”. This work is extremely valuable not only for coworking but in all areas of group decision-making like conflict resolution, politics etc. I therefore like to invite everyone to develop this topic further in the public piratepad I set up. Please spread the word for this important subject!!!
Only introduced yesterday the new “Free Coworking” Skill Sharing Tool already attracted Coworkers from France, China, Kenya, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany. Consisting of an Input and Output form, Coworkers can indicate which Skills/Projects they like to offer to others in the group and which skills they like to attract or require to accomplish their work. The tool is completely open, free and does not require any registration. Just enter your data in the Input Form, and refer to the Output form to sort the information provided in the spreadsheet format. The tool is based on GoogleDocs. With the Help & Development Page provided, it is open for development and improvement by everyone interested. Most coworkers or cultural creatives believe they are alone (see film), so this Free Coworking Skill Sharing Tool is an excellent way to make yourself visible and to strengthen the community by becoming part of it. Every entry counts and makes the tool more valuable for everyone involved. Join and spread the word for “Free Coworking“!
We are very happy to announce further improvements for the “Free Coworking” Skill Sharing Tool now consisting of an input form and an output form. The new features presented today are: the Help & Development page and the “Invite Project Members” option. With this new “Help & Development page” we now have a central document that covers a variety of topics. Ranging from general aspects of editing and support, to documenting all aspects of development of the whole tool. We can now list the individual features that we introduced as well as giving you an opportunity to engage in the development process.
Thanks to the sharing of Pavel Binar and Bert-Ola Bergstrand I can present today the wonderful talk and plea for “Co-Development” by Charles Leadbeater on TED. Leadbeater´s arguments for consumer driven innovation are extremely powerful and very relevant to a movement like “Free Coworking“. Only by experiment, trial and error, enough people collaborating will Coworking and “Free Coworking” evolve. Join the movement, join the development :)
