Designing for Civil Society

Disentangling engagement, participation, democracy, with added e-

Public-spirited techies believe that social software will enhance democracy and help people do good things together, but are frustrated when the wider world doesn't get this. Facilitators specialising in offline participation and other engagement processes are beginning to think there may be something in the technology, but generally don't know why or how, so leave it alone.
Of course these are gross generalisations, and there are many fine people ably mixing people-stuff and tech-stuff to social benefit. I'm trying to do that too, and so find the need to explain to myself and others what the issues are. Here's some thinking in progress, with the hope that others may be able to improve. It's a bit heavy, but I need to clear my head and create a reference for some more specific examples to follow later. Conclusion: just adding 'e' doesn't guarantee improvement.

Beyond blogs, and wikis, and other hot stuff

Lee Bryant of Headshift has provided a terrific review of developments in social software over the past year or so in his piece Blogs are not the only fruit. Too much good stuff to try and summarise... it is a must-read. I confess to a little bias because I'm working on a new combined blog and wiki for my site, developed by Lee and colleagues - so I know they deliver as well as philosophise. More on that shortly. Lee's review also generously cites many of the key people in the field, which further enhances the network effect.
Over on the excellent Digital Divide site there are 10 reasons why nonprofits should use RSS by Marnie Webb.