Cultural Fusion and you

[Yvette Dubel]

Why did i start this community?

One reason is that we needed a solution to address radical inclusion where many are in situations that greatly restrict bandwidth access, meaning sites like Hotel Infinity (a primary CF website) would not be available to them. This helps address that need and eliminates the requirement for me to develop a second site. Also beyond the basic surface issue is the fact that these groups are not typically considered in developing new technology although the are part of the group known as end users.

While working to get Hotel Infinity open for business, it struck me as important to have a space connected to Cultural Fusion for you to promote your organizations, art, and generally express yourself....share your ideas and insights.

I encourage you to read this article: The Personal vs Social Computer
Benefits of new technology- concerns for rural community challenges and opportunities to develop technology solutions that consider broader issues beyond basic access.

What are your thoughts about this?

[Andy Skadberg]

Hi Yvette,

You know I'm in.

I am compelled to contemplate how we can piece together a collaborative network of networks. I want to be part of all of these great networks (Culturalfusion, iPeace, Ourworld, IAmSharing, sustainopreneurs, etc.) and I have profiles at all of them. But the question is how do I manage my time, and show my support and contribute in a way that shows how I see them as being crucial ingredients in the soup (or pieces in the puzzle)?

Also, as I try to accomplish what Jens pointed out (that each network has it's own unique jargon) I find myself, mentally, spread pretty thin. Also, I am reminded of the adage "can't see the forest for the trees". The combined power of these networks, and the people behind them, will be much more impactful if they work together, but alone they may have limited impact.

However, I do believe that all of these networks serve one purpose, ultimately. I am trying to visualize a metaphor for joining these networks together in some way (they are all using ning, I guess) and am being guided to a 3D Mandala (or spiral, lotus) (here is the 2D that I have been using Mandala. The various "petals" of the flower could be the various networks and their unique foci, and the central column could be the core purpose (love, the spirit of IAm, making a better world).

The other image was the puzzle that I have been using, but I don't think it contains the same power. However, the points about holding the pieces of the puzzle together are important, at least in my experience from an organizational standpoint.

The next stage of this process would be to identify the ways to coordinate and share across networks (if other people see my point). Maybe I'm crazy, but I would appreciate if others would tell me that they experience the same dilemma as I am identifying with all of the causes, but not having enough time to adequately support them.

In any case, there are amazing things happening and thanks to all for their passion and dedication.

Andy