[Imc-uk-associates] imc-europe-meeting - provisional rough minutes

[Planet Mail]

Hi Folks,

informal notes from one uk delegate

full minutes will go out in multiple languages followed by eng translation
a week later
so for now here's some of our notes


:)


Here we go:

IMC’s in Attendance:
Amsterdam
Austria
Belgium
Barcelona
Climate (NL)
France
Germany
Italy (Milan/Rome)
Netherlands
Sweden
UK

Could not attend but sent readers:
Serb-croat
Poland
Finland

Roughly 35 - 40 People.
Just under a quarter female.

First day was spent creating and adjusting the agenda and a reading of each 
countries reader and filling in gaps of those countries without readers 
prepared.  Getting to know one another session.

Agenda as final draft:

Saturday

1-3     Reader
3-6     Reader
6-8     Subgroups: Open publishing/Process/mini tech prep.

Sunday

10-11   Reportbacks
11-1    Events Co-ordination/explanation
2-3     Events “                        “
3-4     European IMC
2-5     Workshops
         *Tech/Server *Disribution/Archive European Manuel Legal Translations









General views of subgroups on Open Publishing:

ØVarious levels of engagement with the view of OP as defined from the 2 
part proposal.  Most thought that language was the main problem and the 
lack of engagement on most levels was due to non-translated material (in 
the case of the Belgium IMC the proposal has to be translated into Dutch 
and French).

ØOpen publishing was an integral part of the IMC but the “shining Star” was 
the network of solidarity, co-operation and resource sharing European IMC’s 
(E-IMC) could create and strengthen.

ØE-IMC’s Felt that the concept of OP had to be enlarged to included 
definitions out of the web. (ex. Mali wanted to create an IMC working 
within the current network but based on radio stations and Open Mic. debate 
and information sharing).  IMC should be accessible for those with little 
technical knowledge.

ØIMC’s in general that could (for what ever reason) not apply OP should not 
be dismissed but should be discussed in a global consultation.

ØCongo IMC (initiated from Brussels) was OP but not a success because 
people had not thought about the cultural implications and OP was overtaken 
but mainly US postings.  Again OP accessible to those in South only under 
very different conditions. In this thought it was better to have local 
meaning and interpretation of OP as opposed to technical.

ØThat we needed to think about “membership requirements” of new IMC’s - we 
should not be asking questions that we were not asked.

ØNot everyone was following OP in the same time frame as the global list - 
even with deadlines (which just added some dis/stress) time pressures and 
access was a problem (France only with two-five people who do not have 
perfect grasp of English almost dismissed the OP proposal, although now 
engaging).
Ø
ØLanguage problems were also felt in the technical language of the OP 
proposal.  Many lost the meaning of the OP within the non-technical grasp 
of the language.  Could not get the meaning explicit in the words.


General conclusion was that OP is the best implementation tool yet, for 
openness of the IMC but need to discuss more how open OP is and it cultural 
implications - especially in areas of accessibility in South, language 
translations and technical support in this.  The main thought was that what 
made the IMC was the network (E-IMC) which also extended far outside the 
web and OP.

Felt a strong need to focus on more, what IMC is rather than OP.  All 
groups however recognised the need to complete there review of the OP 
proposals in light of the IMC waiting to be activated.  All E-IMC’s also 
recognised strongly the work that had been done on the process list to try 
to formulate the OP proposal.




Working & Political make-up of E-IMCs:

ØMany political reasons and backgrounds in E-IMC and some misunderstanding 
culturally of definitions such as “left-wing, progressive, 
anti-globalisation/capitalism, traditional left”

ØConcepts of freespeach, in terms of allowing everything to be aired, was 
not the unbreakable rule of IMC.  Most reserving rights to removing 
fascist, homophobic etc., postings.

ØOP defines the DIY nature of the IMC but need a political grasp of social 
movements and networks for IMC to be effective.

ØE-IMC’s have varied editorial policy for the middle column - from the 
whole collectives involvement in Ed. middle column decisions to just two 
persons - although all taken from the news wire and mostly relative to the 
size of the groups and technical knowledge and training.

ØDecision-making for some groups was done in face to face meetings (varied 
monthly and weekly), for some via e-mail (where E-IMC is spread across a 
country) and some a combination of both.  Mainly done by collective 
consensus.   Most agreed that decision-making structure, albeit currently 
fluid for most, needed to be more processual DM structures when expanding.

ØAbout two thirds of the E-IMC’s were firmly a part of the social movements 
in their respective countries and IMC was integrated and trusted by those 
movements - from large squatter and DA networks to bodies like ATTAC.
Ø
ØMany people wanted to stop the vicious circle of people who work on global 
process list - who are too overwhelming for local groups - and although 
process passed through those lists would for largely similar US groups - 
was not so applicable in E-IMC with very different structures and histories.

ØCollective voices should be more encouraged, i.e. when  written as Italy 
IMC collective thinks/supports/.......rather than being lost to individual 
voices with much more access.

ØDecision-making process hampered but not having enough time to think on 
matters as list move too quickly.  All distraught at the withdrawal of 
Brazil IMC from global lists.  With the development of Latin America, 
African and Arab IMC’s European voices with be more important, as able to 
communicate in shared languages.

ØProcess of discussion on global lists were not so much engaged with as the 
process of development with local social movements.  Felt more local 
solidarity than global and more local consideration and shared support, 
under standing of issues.

ØMany felt the need to envelopment more workers, women, people of colour 
and migrant movements in the process shaping of E-IMCs.  Felt that this way 
E-IMCs could better able develop with/in the social movements rather than 
along/out-side them.




Events/Co-ordination.

Gothenburg              14-16 June
Barcelona               21-25 June
Salzburg                01-03 July
B. Camps Poland 12-15 July
Bonn                    16-27 July
Genoa           19-22 July
Qutar                   Beg. Nov.
Brussels                13-14 Dec

NB: More specific details available from the delegates who went.

Summit-hopping was not seen as desirable but necessary where the E-IMC asks 
for assistance and experience.  All were open to participation, but limited 
to the relative size of the action.  Small action = small contingent based 
on desired resource e.g. radio/audio, own language reporter etc.

Linking events in these co-ordinated, mature and structured way was the 
best way to make a resources available web of E-IMC solidarity and co-op.

It was also recognised that participation at actions was not the best place 
to develop process - this needed to be put into a space for not frenetic 
activity.  Planned week-long discussion in dec. summer used to build bonds 
of co-operation and friendship and to link political structures.

Tech Group Agenda for proposed E-IMC Tech Meeting:
[Meeting possible in August in NL.]

žServer location
žInformation infrastructure
žMoving E-IMC’s to European server
žGetting funds from US
žDiscussions on alternative code such as Germany’s aswell as developing active
žDeveloping security structures
žDeveloping phone and audio channels
žsyndication of indy news to global sites using RSS/RDF
žTraining:
ž       basic tack distribution
ž       how to manage server
ž       how to manage databases
ž       training for PDFs in multiple languages
ž       training in hardware reparation
ž       training in software installation
ž       how to set up PAT’s for actions
žBuilding bridges between techs and non-techs.
žContent management and redesign.

žPromoting environment for gender balance in tech team
žPromoting audio-visual technology - esp. web streaming
žProduction of clear transcripts for self-teaching of tech issues
žInvestigating technical knowledge for pirate radios/tv
žInvestigating alternative energy sources for running tech.

NB: Priority is the server location development.


IMC-Europe Site:

Site proposed was actually European Union (EU) site,  which was met with 
much protest.  EU or even indymedia Europe was not taken on for various 
reasons:

ØAny energy available should be spent in strengthening the European network 
and not opposing the US.  Need to find time to make sure the .Org page is 
more diverse with other than Western features and less US - be more 
proactive on this issue.

ØThere should be much more emphasis put on East/West European relation 
rather than EU.  Did not want to have the impression of a single front.

ØThe meaning of what it is to be part of E-IMC should be created through 
networks rather than a definition such as EU or even a site.  Pointless 
also in light of the possible disolvement of .Org features page.


Workshops:

NB: More details to come in minutes

Distribution and Archive:

žCollaboration on creation of a systematic database for archive
ž       Photo / video / legal matters / corporate press / social movements 
/ actions / PDF /            Graphics / newsletters / stickers / posters
žWork on linking those archives international but with only access to IMC 
person for security issues.
žWork on creation a Skills Bank for those who want to find others to help 
on projects.
žWork on linking and creating platforms for material distribution.

Translations:
People need to work seriously on a continued process of translation 
work.  Technical prowess can only be matched by E-IMC if we have to means 
to understand the developments within IMCs globally.  This goes the same 
for process and communication lists.
People who can communicate (even basically) in a second language need to 
spend at least ½ hour to transcribe texts.  Basic summaries are better than 
nothing.
One tactic is to post in a language alternative to English so that IT MUST 
be translated to be read.

Legal:
NB: Dave has feedback

<INSERT>

"Legal" Workshop (4-6 people)

This included discussions of:

- Surveillance and Interception Laws
- Laws governing Internet use
- Laws relating to what the police can and cannot do to 
journalists (and protestors)
- Electronic security
- Legal Defence for IMC's

It was quickly apparent that there are big differences between 
countries in europe, but that also general trends and some 
initiatives were harmonising throughout 'eu'.

It was agreed that:

A reader should be produced for all euro IMCs (and other 
countries too) on these issues.  This will be usefull both
for practical purposes but also help to highlight these
important issues.  The euro imc list will be used to create 
the questions for the reader.

IMC's should take a stronger role in educating users / readers
about electronic security and the law, but more than that IMC 
has a responsibility to do this - especially in the light
of the recent FBI attention in the US, more draconian legislation
(eg RIP Act in UK) and recent Europol plans. It was suggested a 
link 'Security' be created at top of IMC pages, linking to a 
basic explanation of IP addresses and local laws etc and then 
some good quality links to security resources.

Two good sites are:

TAO SECURITY
http://security.tao.ca
(Helping activists stay sat in our oppressive world)

EPIC - Links, Resources and Tools
http://www.epic.org/privacy/privacy_resources_faq.html
http://www.epic.org/privacy/tools.html

It was also agreed that closer links with journalist unions and 
privacy groups should be forged - many already support IMC but
such collaboration needs to be strengthened.



Tech workshop / Priority list:

žServers had to be found to start work on decentralising
žMission to find more bandwidth
žPossible location of server in Austria
žBuying new server initially:
ž       Specs: 4U $1500 ½ gig memory
ž       pentium 900 2x40 gig drive.
žE-IMC tech list will not be an open list.  Must be allowed to work.

Overall was a very strong positive feeling that the E-IMC tech group would 
be able to work happily together and produce the goods - strong team, 
strong & diverse technical knowledge.

Events Manual:
NB: to be worked on to share the needs of E-IMC’s when working and 
preparing for events.  Info on countries level of state repression, level 
of technical knowledge in IMC, equipment, etc.

Conclusion

Need to create a statement of Unity (in the hands of the UK lot).  E-IMC 
wide agreement to co-operate closely and share information and resources.

Many debates and issues raised here will be stared and continued on the 
European list which will now be a permanent list.



NEXT MEETING IDEAS....................

2nd week of December in Brussels as part of Euro ALt Media mtg 
Funding available for all sorts esp funding E Europe folks. To be 
tied in with the week after which is the Belgium Euro summit and
big actions.

or 

As part of next springs Amsterdam Euro mtg in latest incarnation a la
'Next 5 Mins' + Tactical Streaming events - Again funding would be 
available.

BOTH events would allow much wider participation - we would work on 
the event as an Alt media event than have specific IMC stuff within
that framework.

Genoa will be the deadline for choosing next meeting.



NB: Full minutes will be available in English in two weeks time.  reports 
initially going out in own language and will be translated later into 
English.  from there we will compile the respective bits and pieces and 
send them out to global lists with as many translated introductions as 
possible
BYPASS THE CORPORATE MEDIA MACHINE
Don't hate the media, Be the media!
http://www.indymedia.org.uk
imcuk@indymedia.org.uk