Flickr Photo from Ross Mayfield
Still reflecting on the question "Are Fundraising Groundwells A Massive Opportunity or Distraction for Nonprofit Organizations?" Found this oldish post in my bookmark collection called Power Law of Participation for social software by Ross Mayfield.
When users participate in high engagement activities, connecting with one another, a different kind of value is being created. But my core point isn't just the difference between these forms of group intelligence -- but actually how the co-exist in the best communities.
How does Twestival change or morph this graph?
When a graph like that has no y axis, it is literally meaningless.
It is meant to suggest that to 'lead' is somehow different from, higher than or better than 'to network' - but based on what?
I would throw away this graph, and any inferences based on it.
Posted by: Stephen Downes | February 04, 2009 at 03:25 AM
Hmm...I don't know if I would call this graphic "final" in regards tot he x axis as I don't this engagement goes from A to B. I think there is a loop there that would bring it back to once someone is SO engaged and becomes a content creator, etc. then eventually they lead and others starting reading, etc. It's more cyclical.
Maxine Teller on MixtMedia a few months ago had a similiar graph posing a similiar question where I and some others jumped in with thoughts. But, I don't think anyone put together what a more flushed out graphic would look like...course, it's continually morphing, so I'm not sure any graphic will ever be "final." =) Thanks for the thoughts Beth!
Posted by: Alex, aka SocialButterfly | February 04, 2009 at 09:24 AM