[New-imc] CHANGING THE NEW IMC PAGE - deadline 3/11/02
Sheri Herndon
sheri at speakeasy.org
Sun Mar 3 20:06:02 PST 2002
hi new imc group,
here's some ideas for how to improve the new imc page so our "process".
1. new imc page:
i've made some changes that hopefully will make the process clearer
to new folks, as well as articulate a bit more thoroughly what
joining indymedia is all about, our current process, etc. of course,
this is a draft. please add your suggestions/comments/changes by
march 11.
some of the working documents could use some editing work if anyone
is interested in contributing to this collective process (we need
help!): for example, the global overview, the intro letter could be
shortened and updated; and both the criteria and principle documents
could be updated with a few of the changes discussed on imc-unity and
new-imc lists (perhaps this has already been done).
2. new imc form:
i've also made some suggested changes tothe new imc form itself with
the hope of making things clearer to collectives who are interested
in joining the imc network. i hope that all these changes will help
us better represent our ever evolving and hopefully improving process
and documentation of what we're all about to all prospective new imc
groups.
****************************************************************************
(NOTE: see further below for a text draft of what the page would
look like with changes.
But first general comments.)
****************************************************************************
CHANGING THE PAGE
(NOTE: the numbering is just to help if people want to comment, the
numbers are irrelevant for the actual page)
1. change the title of the page to be NEW IMC INFORMATION PAGE
(which is really more accurate).
2. add portuguese translation (also available in a word document if
that helps):
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002838.html
this is not a clean copy of the document, whoever does it ask and
i'll send it in the word doc i have. i've emailed listwork asking
why the archives are showing weird formatting.
3. change first sentence to read: "This new IMC information page
has been set up to help your collective learn more about the IMC and
the IMC Network. This information is very basic and is a first step
towards understanding not only Indymedia values and principles of
unity, but also a bit about how the network itself works and what
that means for each local IMC."
4. Table of Contents:
1. Introduction and Background Information
- Network Overview - Theory and Practice
2. New IMC Process - How it Works
3. Provisional IMC Network Documents
4. Important Background Documents
5. Tech Side of Things
6. Getting Organized
7. Feedback
8. New IMC Form
by dividing up the page like this and by putting it up at the front,
people can get a clear idea of all the parts.
so these headings could be added at the appropriate places.
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
5. This New IMC information page has been set up to help YOU* learn
more about the Indymedia Network. This site is put together and kept
up to date by various members of the network, but primarily by the
New IMC working group. Our hope it that this information will
introduce you to an overview of Indymedia but also to what to expect
from the New Imc Process. This working space is ever evolving and is
the first step towards understanding not only Indymedia values and
the common ground that enables us to be a network, but also a bit
about how the network itself works and what that means for each local
IMC.
Please have your local collective or the group of people interested
in joining the Indymedia Network read over the draft document So you
want to start an IMC? before filling out this form. If you have
questions, you can send email to the new-imc mailing list. We know
that the process can be confusing for newcomers and we're trying to
make it as open and transparent a process as possible. Please
remember that we are all volunteers who work in indymedia and often
are busy with our local IMCs as well.
* YOU does not refer to an individual person; it means the collective
requesting to be a member of the IMC Network.
6. Network Overview - Theory and Practice (thanks chris b from imc la!!)
The strength of the IMC as a concept comes directly from its organizational
structure; namely, a decentralized network of autonomous collectives whose
shared resources allow for the creation of a social and digital infrastructure
that is independent of state and market forces. It is our intention as a
media movement to build out this structure so that, on the one hand, we have
local IMC's throughout the world that are autonomous in their decision making
while, on the other hand, we are united in a network form of organization
that allows for collaboration on a level previously reserved for state and
corporate interests. To the extent the network is effective in challenging
abusive systems of power is directly related to our ability to create
decentralized structures. It is our ability to be flexible and simultaneously
united that has proven effective.
However, it cannot be understated that in order for collaboration to occur
network wide, there needs to exist a set of guidelines and a process by which
we all agree to work. Quite frankly, it is necessary to resist any efforts by
a local collective, for example, that wishes to develop a non-participatory,
top-down structure, or would like to create a corporation out of a local IMC.
To this end, we have developed guidelines for network participation
in the form of
two crucial documents: the Principles of Unity and the Criteria for Membership.
These documents, in a sense, are a pact amongst media activists that allow
for the network to exist. It is under these assumptions that we are united yet
autonomous.
7. list of provisional documents:
they could all use a bit of editorial love.
dd the following documents to the list of background info documents:
Index of IMC Process Planning Posts
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-October/002328.html
IMC Contact Page:
http://www.indymedia.org/contact.php3
IMC Blueprint for Events:
http://process.indymedia.org/blueprint.html
8. here's an update for the principles of unity which needs to be
added in to the current document. it's an update to principle #3.
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-November/002436.html
TECH INFORMATION
9. tech section: can someone who is a tech person look this over
and see if there are any improvements that can be made and post them
to this list?
here's bart's recent comments on a few ideas for improving this section:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002788.html
i'd like to suggest we add the email addresses of the tech people who
have volunteered to be the contacts for certain regions:
REGIONAL TECH CONTACTS:
south america: pietro at indymeida.org
unclear: deanna at indymedia.org, andy at nonoboy at peak.org
others?
NEW IMC PROCESS
10. perhaps a heading could read: "Here is a description of the
current process that the New IMC Working Group follows. This process
has been evolving as we continue to improve the process and to
incorporate constructivel feedback from people going through the
process." perhaps jay already wrote up something for the email he
sent out a while ago. or maybe bart?
11. Jay or Bart, do either of you know where that wonderful document
is that describes the new imc process and timeline? i figured it was
on this page, but it isn't anywhere obvious. can you send it to the
new imc list and can we get it included here?
i've been searching and i can't find it in the archives.
STARTING TO ORGANIZE ON EMAIL
12. Add "If you'd like to have an imc list set up so that you can
begin organizing, let us know on new-imc and we will help this
happen. There is a section for pending IMCs and many prospective
groups start up a list before they've gone through the process."
FEEDBACK
13. Add "Please let us know how we can improve the process.
Especially we're looking for constructive ways to make it easier for
prospective groups to go through the process and to know what to
expect along the way. We're all volunteers and we're doing our best,
you can help by sharing what worked for you and what didn't."
CHANGING THE FORM
1. add NEW IMC FORM as a heading
2. change language in next paragraph to emphasize again the
collective spirit of this project: "After your collective reviews
the above information, please fill out the form below and answer the
following questions."
3. add "SHORT ESSAY/STATEMENT (required)":
"We'd also like your group to draft up a statement or essay or short
story (any style you'd like) that expresses why you are doing this
work, why independent media and why you want to join the indymedia
network." You can write a short essay now and then submit something
longer as an introduction to the imc-process list when you are on the
final steps of becoming a member of the Network."
4. Add "Here are some examples from other IMCs:"
this will give people a much clearer idea of what they might come up
with as well as showing them the diversity of voices currently in the
network and the common ground. we could use some of these or all.
i'd like to create a place on the site where all of these are kept
and we update it as we go along.
imc palestine:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002839.html
imc eugene:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-September/000978.html
imc aotearoa:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-December/002603.html
imc st. louis:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002850.html
imc baltimore:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-November/001257.html
imc uruguay:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-September/002170.html
imc south africa:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-August/001937.html
imc adelaide
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002847.html
imc san diego:
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-October/002298.html
imc portugal
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002848.html
imc milwaukee
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002844.html
imc netherlands
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002841.html
imc danbury
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002843.html
imc ireland
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2002-February/002846.html
imc new jersey
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-July/001779.html
imc victoria
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-July/001787.html
SAMPLE OF NEW IMC PAGE with suggested changes
New IMC Background and Information Space
Formulario para un nuevo CMI | Formulaire pour les nouveaux CMI |
(add portuguese)
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This New IMC information page has been set up to help YOU* learn more
about the Indymedia Network. This site is put together and kept up
to date by various members of the network, but primarily by the New
IMC working group. Our hope it that this information will introduce
you to an overview of Indymedia but also to what to expect from the
New Imc Process. This working space is ever evolving and is the
first step towards understanding not only Indymedia values and the
common ground that enables us to be a network, but also a bit about
how the network itself works and what that means for each local IMC.
Please have your local collective or the group of people interested
in joining the Indymedia Network read over the draft document So you
want to start an IMC? before filling out this form. If you have
questions, you can send email to the new-imc mailing list. We know
that the process can be confusing for newcomers and we're trying to
make it as open and transparent a process as possible. Please
remember that we are all volunteers who work in indymedia and often
are busy with our local IMCs as well.
* YOU does not refer to an individual person; it means the collective
requesting to be a member of the IMC Network.
NETWORK OVERVIEW - THEORY AND PRACTICE
The strength of the IMC as a concept comes directly from its organizational
structure; namely, a decentralized network of autonomous collectives whose
shared resources allow for the creation of a social and digital infrastructure
that is independent of state and market forces. It is our intention as a
media movement to build out this structure so that, on the one hand, we have
local IMC's throughout the world that are autonomous in their decision making
while, on the other hand, we are united in a network form of organization
that allows for collaboration on a level previously reserved for state and
corporate interests. To the extent the network is effective in challenging
abusive systems of power is directly related to our ability to create
decentralized structures. It is our ability to be flexible and simultaneously
united that has proven effective.
However, it cannot be understated that in order for collaboration to occur
network wide, there needs to exist a set of guidelines and a process by which
we all agree to work. Quite frankly, it is necessary to resist any efforts by
a local collective, for example, that wishes to develop a non-participatory,
top-down structure, or would like to create a corporation out of a local IMC.
To this end, we have developed guidelines for network participation
in the form of
two crucial documents: the Principles of Unity and the Criteria for Membership.
These documents, in a sense, are a pact amongst media activists that allow
for the network to exist. It is under these assumptions that we are united yet
autonomous.
NEW IMC PROCESS - HOW IT WORKS
So that you can know what to expect, here's a brief description of
the current process that the New IMC Working Group follows. Because
we're all humans and we rely on our diverse communication styles,
this is not designed to be a perfect science, but rather to be
democratic, transparent and flexible. This process has been evolving
as we continue to improve the process and to incorporate helpful
feedback from participants.
(Jay or Bart please send what you have put together or send something
that describes the current process in cliff note version.)
Please feel free to ask any questions you have that will help you
through this process. You can either email the list or contact any
of the people who have sent you either the general information or
tech information.
PROVISIONAL IMC NETWORK DOCUMENTS
These are the documents that you will receive once you have sent in
the form and introduction below. The Principles of Unity and the
Membership Criteria are the documents that we ask your collective to
carefully review, comment on and send back to the New-IMC list. You
should take your time reviewing these documents. This is not a
casual step. You are becoming a member of an international network.
And while we operate in a decentralized, non-hierarchical way, we are
also part of a network that shares resources, solidarity and support.
Hopefully these documents will give you a good idea of what Indymedia
is all about.
* Introductory letter
* Out of date "Global Indymedia Overview"
* Draft of Principles of Unity
* Draft of IMC Membership Criteria (Indonesian/Malay version)
IMPORTANT BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
These background and general information documents are useful for any
new IMC collective and can be a resource for a long time.
* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* Index of IMC Process Planning Posts
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-October/002328.html
* IMC Contact Page:
http://www.indymedia.org/contact.php3
* Most recent IMC Summary (tech and non-tech)
http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/imc-summaries/2001-December/000029.html
* http://process.indymedia.org for a good idea of IMC "process"
(this only scratches the surface)
* http://internal.indymedia.org the site for IMCers talking to
each other (still not used enough)
* IMC Blueprints for Events: http://process.indymedia.org/blueprint.html
TECH SIDE OF THINGS
If you would like to see what may be involved in maintaining a site,
please refer to:
* Active Software for information about the software that started it all.
* http://tech.indymedia.org for those more tech focussed.
* Indymedia Technology Options Site - If you want to know about
all the different programs and software packages that have been
developed to run and support indymedia sites and what you can choose
for your IMC then check out this site.
http://www.bandwidthcoop.org/imc/tech/FrontPage
* The Global IMC-Tech collective (imc-tech at indymedia.org) can
help provide you with servers and software setup or get you connected
with people who can help you. Don't think you're on your own, we're
here to help. If you have techies then we could use your help too.
REGIONAL TECH CONTACTS
Deanna - East Coast US?
Andy - West Coast US?
Pietro - South America
Others?
NEW IMC FORM
After your collective reviews the above information, please fill out
the form below and answer the following questions.
NOTE: All information entered in this form will be publicly archived
at lists.indymedia.org. Please provide only information that can be
made public.
SHORT ESSAY/STATEMENT (required):
We'd also like your group to draft up a statement or essay or short
story (any style you'd like) that expresses why you are interested in
starting an IMC in your city or region and why you want to join the
indymedia network. Later in the process, when we send the
application on to the IMC-Process list, we will ask for an
introduction to you IMC. You can have this serve both purposes.
Doing this will help us better evaluate your request. A short essay
will tell us much more about your ideas for participating in the IMC
network than just the form. This should be written with the approval
of the collective who wants to start up an IMC.
Here are some examples:
(list links)
Proposed IMC Name - is this a city, region or country based IMC
City
State/Province
Country
Contact Name
Email
Phone
Technical Contact Name
Email
Phone
Supporting Groups
Do you have a regional focus?
event focus?
critical dates?
What kind of resources can you contribute, in terms of
server/bandwidth/technical and organizing skills?
What kind of outreach have you done to bring together a diverse group
of people?
Please write an introductory statement about why you want to
participate in the Indymedia Network (see above).
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