[New-imc] Handing out local URL's through the IMC-UK network

PseudoPunk bart at indymedia.org
Mon May 5 03:46:07 PDT 2003 

Tony wrote:
> Hello New-imc'ers
> 
> Below is an explaination of where imc-uk is heading with its
> decentralisation precess - a bit of history and background - For the UK
> (United Kollectives) Network to work well we hope to be able to have our
> own 'new-uk-imc' application process - where new regional collectives in
> the UK can be given their own URL (ie. oxford.indymedia.org) when they
> agree to the Mission statement, Working practices, and Principles of
> Unity etc...




> We would most likely use the UK-process list for new applications, but
> first i need to know if we can hand out our own URL's and who /where
> /how we can do this. (I am not sure at the moment if all these would be
> listed on the global list of IMC's - maybe all of us would come under
> 'UK' banner - to be discussed) We would of course be putting together an
> application proceedure much like the global one but regionally based -
> to come soon but based on alot of this text.

Hey Tony,

sounds ok to me.
if you want to give indymedia.org subdomains i gues you'll have to send
them through new-imc and imc-process deadlines (they'll recognised as
seperate imc's then ?)

anyone a better / other solution ?


Bart


> 
> cheers tony
> 
> =================================
> 
> WORKING PRACTICES ON uk.indymedia.org/ mir
> 
> uk.indymedia.org is a collaborative project of local imc groups who
> agree on some basic common grounds. Participation involves taking
> responsibility for shared tasks and gives each group access to the
> knowledge and resources of other groups. Transparency is crucial -
> especially on the tech side.
> uk.indymedia.org is run by volunteers. A part from agreed shared tasks,
> everything relies on the motivation of individuals or groups - a good
> reason to maintain a spirit of solidarity and support in our communication.
> 
> -------------------------------------------
> I. historical bits
> 
> Since a few months, imc uk has kicked off as a network.
> In the first years, imc uk was mainly maintained by a group in London -
> we simply could not find other imc groups in the uk who were willing to
> join in. Then the network slowly started to build. Bristol set up their
> separate website, Scotland is working on one. Imc uk temporarily hosted
> imc ireland while they were setting up their separate site. Manchester
> and Scotland asked for subsections on the UK page. We started to have
> network meetings. Lancester, Sheffield and Leeds joined in. Oxford and
> Cambridge applied for imc lists. The contact page was updated to include
> new groups
> [http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/imc-uk-network/2003-March/000253.html]
> 
> Several groups started to  share "housekeeping duties" like newswire
> cleaning, the editorial guidelines were updated
> [http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/imc-uk-process/2003-March/001105.html].
> 
> 
> -------------------------------------------
> II. Migration to MIR - a collaborative project
> 
> The first major project of the imc - United Kollective network is the
> migration to mir. This is much more than just a change of software. It
> is the outcome of a years long process to establish imc uk as a network
> of local imc groups who work together on a shared website, to build a
> platform where people from all over the country can share information/news.
> 
> The final deadline of the migration, the looks of the site, and the way
> we set up the admin depends on the input of each imc group. The
> development of the MIR site works a bit like opensource software
> developing, very pragmatic. Some people do things, then it's wait and
> see if others take them up. At the same time, imc uk has elements of a
> more structured, collective approach, because there are some things that
> we have to find consensus about.
> 
> -------------------------------------------
> III. uk.indymedia.org Communication tools
> 
> The consensus process is non-hierarchical, there is no formal
> decision-making body of delegates. But some communication tools for
> sharing knowledge, discussion and decision making have developed.
> Generally, things are being discussed in a variety of communication
> channels, before they come up as a proposal.
> 
> /1 face to face meetings
> Although we are using a variety of electronic communication channels,
> local imc groups rely on face to face meetings in intervals that suit
> them, mostly announced on their publicly archived imc list.
> 
> /2 Lists
> Every local imc group currently liaises with some uk lists:
> [imc-uk-network]  for information, [imc-uk-process] for discussion,
> developing proposals etc, [imc-uk-tech] to sort out how to do things.
> 
> Every imc worldwide is committed to be in touch with some global imc
> lists. Reports from global lists are fed to [imc-uk-process]. Sometimes,
> global lists are asking for feedback.
> 
> /3 Network Meeting
> Every local imc group can propose a f2f network meeting. If a critical
> mass of local groups agrees that a network meeting is needed or that it
> would be fun, time and place are being sorted.
> 
> /4 irc (internet relay chat)
> The channels on irc.indymedia.org is helpful to discuss things,
> establish common grounds, work out how to proceed, share infos,
> knowledge and resources. Irc logs are being archived on the appropriate
> list. While major proposals often develop on irc it irc is not a
> decision making channel, because so far, only few imc uk'ers use it.
> 
> /5 twiki
> imc uk uses the indymedia twiki on [docs.indymedia.org]. Twiki is a
> piece of opensource server software that allows users to freely create
> and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Everybody can register
> on the twiki and start using it. A special site has been set up for the
> migration to mir:
> http://docs.indymedia.org/view/Local/MovingToMir Like irc, twiki is not
> a decision making body, because not many imc uk'ers are using it so far.
> 
> -------------------------------------------
> IV. Shared tasks
> 
> imc uk has developed a supportive attitude. People help each other out
> with major and minor questions, and generally respect each others work
> and listen to each others points of views.
> Some tasks are shared between all local imc groups who work on
> uk.indymedia.org:
> 
> /1 crucial from the beginning: liaising with 3 uk lists:
> [imc-uk-network], [imc-uk-process], [imc-uk-features], [imc-uk-tech].
> 
> /2 liaising with global lists:
> Every imc worldwide is committed to be in touch with some global imc
> lists: [imc-finance], [imc- process], [imc-communication], [new-imc].
> There are a few other useful lists, like [imc europe]. Since imc uk is a
> network, we can share this workload between the local groups. Each group
> should be prepared to take on a global list for some time and
> occasionally forward reports from those lists to [imc-uk-process].
> 
> /3 list admin:
> The administration of the shared [imc-uk] lists rotates within the local
> imc uk groups, both to share the workload and to make sure that power is
> decentralised.
> 
> /4 newswire cleaning
> Presently, on the imc uk active site, every newswire posting goes
> straight to the frontpage. Admins from local imc groups then screen the
> newswire and hide postings if necessary according to the editorial
> guidelines.
> The main point is that all regional pages on imc uk mir will continue to
> share one database for newswire postings, i.e. the regional imcs will
> have to take responsibility to look after the main newswire, not only
> after their own.
> 
> /5 features:
> Presently, features for the imc uk middle column on the active site are
> being proposed on [imc-uk-features]. All local imc groups are
> responsible to look after the uk middle column.
> On the IMC UK Mir page, each imc group with their own site will produce
> their own features. In addition, the startpage of uk.indymedia.org will
> also have features. We haven't discussed yet how these will be
> generated. Options are:
> - to generate them automatically from the local middle columns (needs a
> tech to implement).
> - to generate them manually, for expl by a dedicated startpage features
> group, a dedicated list, individuals or a mix of all.
> 
> -------------------------------------------
> V. Setting up a regional page on IMC UK mir
> 
> To run a regional page on IMC UK mir means to be part of a network. Each
> local imc group that runs a regional page on IMC UK mir positions itself
> on the common grounds of the uk network, agrees to the "principles of
> unity" and takes on some of the shared tasks. The following paragraphs
> refer to those groups who are working on the uk.indymedia.org site - I
> assume that separate sites like Bristol have their own process.
> 
> /1 Common Grounds
> 
> * Agree with the UK "Mission statement" [link]
> 
> * Agree with the current "Working practices" of the site [link]
> The paragraphs on communication (III) and shared tasks (IV) sum up some
> of the current working practices of uk.indymedia.org. It would be good
> to work on and discuss a document which can be approved by the
> uk.indymedia.org network.
> 
> * Agree in Spirit to the "Principles of unity" [see below 3/]
> 
> * Have open and public meetings
> This is to make sure that indymedia uk has a presence outside the
> virtual world of digital communication channels, to encourage more local
> participation, transparency and face-to-face contact. (...more?)
> 
> * Participate in outreach of uk.indymedia.org to local groups,
> encouraging more people to understand and use the site.
> 
> 2/ steps towards a regional site on uk.indymedia.org
> 
> * Make sure you have enough people to run the regional page - and to
> keep in touch with the uk network. Please be aware that imc is a global
> network, i.e. every imc group should keep track of what's happening there.
> 
> * Tell the UK Process list that you're interested. Somebody will get
> back to you.
> 
> * customise your regional page. Manuals and documentation are on a twiki
> page [http://docs.indymedia.org/view/Local/MovingToMir] - incomplete but
> better than nothing. Check also mir.indymedia.org.
> 
> * if you want your local imc group listed on the global linklist of all
> imcs, i.e. have your own localgroup at indymedia.org URL, you have to go
> through the new imc process via the global [new-imc] list. More info on
> the new imc process here:
> [http://docs.indymedia.org/view/Global/NewImcHowTo]
> We are thinking of moving this process to the UK, so that you don't need
> to go through the global lists, but this is only at the beginnings.
> 
> 3/ principles of unity
> 
> A draft UK version of global "principles of unity":
> 
> [1] Indymedia UK Network is based on principles of equality, and local
> decentralisation, made up of self-organised autonomous collectives that
> recognise the importance of developing a union of networks.
> 
> [2] IMC-uk considers open exchange of and open access to information a
> prerequisite to the building of a free and just society.
> 
> [3] Contributers and readers can use the open web based publishing to
> express their views freely, based on the trust and aderhence to the
> Editorial guidlines.
> 
> [4] Indymedia is a non-profit network
> 
> [5] IMC-uk recognises the importance of process to social change and is
> committed to the development of non-hierarchical and anti-authoritarian
> organising.
> 
> [6] IMC-uk is committed to the priciple of Consensus decision making and
> the development of a participatory democratic process that is
> transparent to its members.
> 
> [7] IMC-uk is commited to sharing of resouces including skills,
> knowledge and equipment where possible.
> 
> [8] ....
> 
> The current global draft for principles of unity is included in an
> email:
> http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/new-imc/2001-May/000159.html
> 
> 
> Please note: this snapshot is an effort to to describe the present
> shared working practices on uk.indymedia.org and the development of the
> new IMC UK mir site - i.e. the consensus that we have developed over the
> past few weeks/months. The process is still ongoing and can be found on
> the UK 'network' and 'process' lists.
> 
> imc-UK-network.
> 
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> 
> 
> 

-- 

http://wvl.indymedia.org  |     bart at indymedia.org
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