Interested in focusing efforts

[Kat]

At the risk of killing spontaneity with structure *grin*... what are some things we can do so that this wonderful tool doesn't just become yet another facebook page or unused forum in our bookmark list?

There are only a few of us here... what would you think of doing "homework" together as a starter, by focusing on a highlighted video or article? We could pick a particular video and all of us (who are technically able) watch it sometime during a given week and then come back here for discussion about that specific video? We could engage in focused discussion this way and then perhaps out of that could blossom some specific things each of us can do in our area. We could do this with various materials together– vids, articles, etc.

We may all be at different levels in terms of our exposure to the transition model – I don't know – but I'm thinking it might be useful. Those who have more knowledge under their belts can help guide the rest of us.

Even without something like that, I see this group as a great way to get some information gathered together and post meetings and such. At the same time, the internet is such a wonderful tool for coming together virtually and really getting some preliminary groundwork done here in an focused way. Thoughts?

[David]

I like this idea. We can share the load *so to speak* like this. We can work at what ever pace that comfortable for the individual and learn more about each other and the goals that brought us here.

[Kat]

David said:

I like this idea. We can share the load *so to speak* like this.

I agree about sharing the load. We could submit recommendations for a given week's focus, probably even do a poll on what we want to watch (see apps).

It might take some more numbers in membership to have it really rolling, but I'm happy to start a concentrated focus whenever ya'll are. Time is of the essence when it comes to learning and building something real. Whatever everyone feels comfortable with and is willing to commit to... just say the word and I'm there.

[Kat]

p.s. another thing a regular focused discussion would accomplish is to provide information for those who can't watch the videos due to technical limitations. A solid discussion about what we watched, what we liked about it, what we can implement, etc. would help to provide more information in this online forum/network for newcomers.

[Ning The Merciless]

I see Transition Tennessee as a potential "Umbrella Group" in the sense that you can promote the site across the Web. But when people arrive here the first thing they see is, maybe a map graphic? showing all the "localized" trading groups that already exist, so they can get in touch with the one operating where they live. If there is no such group they can be encouraged to start one and add it to the map. That would help locals find each other. Transition tennessee would also be a good place for activists to list a "best practices" consensus based on experience. unfortunately I can rarely see videos as I am living with what has to be the worst dialup in the known universe. Imagine trying to piss a watermelon...

[Kat]

David or Sandi, do we have the ability to administer what displays on the home page for this group or is it a default thing that all TT groups display? I like the idea of perhaps customizing it more directly for our region and the emphases that work here as well as things like the map Ning the M. suggested, etc.

Ning The Merciless said:

I see Transition Tennessee as a potential "Umbrella Group" in the sense that you can promote the site across the Web. But when people arrive here the first thing they see is, maybe a map graphic? showing all the "localized" trading groups that already exist, so they can get in touch with the one operating where they live.

[Edward Krall]

I agree with using this as the crossroad with the other groups to help them hook up with other people that are looking for what their doing at the same time it builds on what were doing

Kat said:

David or Sandi, do we have the ability to administer what displays on the home page for this group or is it a default thing that all TT groups display? I like the idea of perhaps customizing it more directly for our region and the emphases that work here as well as things like the map Ning the M. suggested, etc.

Ning The Merciless said:

I see Transition Tennessee as a potential "Umbrella Group" in the sense that you can promote the site across the Web. But when people arrive here the first thing they see is, maybe a map graphic? showing all the "localized" trading groups that already exist, so they can get in touch with the one operating where they live.

[Lisa Patterson]

Hi,
There seems to be 2 main focuses I am seeing here, one is TT as an "umbrella group" , and the other is as a learning/teaching tool. I think both are very useful. Also, I just recieved an email seems to indicate that this site can be customized somewhat. (I am not in much of a position to take that on myself, though, I am not very web-savvy and I have dial-up.) I am here to learn. When I first heard about TT, I was totally unaware that there even was a model for transition. It makes so much sense. I want to learn about how to do that. It is now common to hear about how oil-based economics and consumer culture are destroying the planet, but usually, no alternatives are discussed and the "corporate rulers" usually explain that the problem is consumer demand. This is our chance to display an alternative, to demonstrate that there are increasing groups of people interested in and exploring alternatives. The more we do with this the more exposure the transition model gets in general.

"We may all be at different levels in terms of our exposure to the transition model – I don't know – but I'm thinking it might be useful. Those who have more knowledge under their belts can help guide the rest of us."

So, I am really cool with some thoughtful (as Kat described) discussions of media that is out there and I am also on the same page with NIng the Merciless, I, too have the watermelon problem.

"unfortunately I can rarely see videos as I am living with what has to be the worst dialup in the known universe. Imagine trying to piss a watermelon..."

"p.s. another thing a regular focused discussion would accomplish is to provide information for those who can't watch the videos due to technical limitations. A solid discussion about what we watched, what we liked about it, what we can implement, etc. would help to provide more information in this online forum/network for newcomers."

So count me in for the "homework" and I am exited to see what some of you more internet savvy folks with high speed connections might do to customize TT's look.

[Kat]

Awesome! Glad you're on board. I think if we can start some detailed discussions about the model, things we can start implementing, what other groups are doing, etc. that will help us get some education going.