Re: Tools for eGovernance

The issue of what platform to use for W3C meetings comes up from time
to time, when someone (usually new) invariably asks "Why don't we use
<platform_that_person_is_familiar_with>?"

As Jeanne and others have noted, the collection of tools the W3C team
has aggregated (and in come cases developed) over the years works
remarkably well over a wide range of platforms and modes of
communication. In particular --- and especially pleasing to me --- no
one is forced into a particular platform in order to contribute to the
calls. I think they are to be congratulated...

On the specific question of long-distance, international calls: It is
possible to make a (free) IP call using a (free) client such as Ekiga.
It may also be possible to make IP calls directly using Skype, but
this depends on whether your institution has a VoIP bridge (talk to
your network gurus). Some people should consider paying the (low)
monthly fee for Skype, which in some regions (e.g. USA) lets you dial
long distance for "free." IRC participation (and especially tasks like
scribing) works best with a dedicated client such as Pidgin, but many
people on these calls use the web client.

Finally, some WGs/IGs decide on their own to use other tools for
special meetings, such as virtual f2f gatherings. For example, last
year the GLD WG experimented with Google+ Hangouts to complement the
tools it was using for a two-location f2f it had, and is planning a
more organized use in the coming year. Google+, while free, does
require users to join The Google, which has its own set of "costs"
which each individual must weigh themselves...

John

On Mon, Nov 12, 2012 at 6:39 AM, Paola Di Maio <paola.dimaio@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thank you Tim and Jeanna
>
>
>>
>> It is less about which tools can and could be used (there are many), than
>> about the policies of the bodies which govern and convene the meetings.  My
>> understanding is that the W3C has good reasons why they do not actually
>> record or make recordable the verbal discussions and broadcasts from the
>> meetings.  For this group, therefore, I abide by those rules.
>>
>
>  ah, yes- that was the answer I guess (recall) - apologies for asking again-
>
> the thing is that even W3C is changing (moving towards more community
> oriented participation and governance)
> so even policies should change
>
>
>> However, there could certainly be an interesting discussion on the list
>> and in our meetings on how best to accomplish (or what ways we could
>> accomplish) the easiest participation in such activities if policies were
>> changed or for groups where the policies are different.
>
>
> sure-  thats the point of eGovernance: how can the members of a civil
> community  influence the decisions of their governing bodies /organisations/
> (a 'systemic' issue here)
>
> Plus, there can be a two tier policy within the same organization:
>
> , whosoever have good reasons not to be recorded broadcasted, should be
> entitled to do so
> But whosover has not problem with their contributions being broadcasted
> should also be entitled to contribute in the way
> that suits them best  - the world must go on even if some
> people/organizations cannot move as fast as the pace of
> technological development (Note: this is a central problem with eGovenments,
> needs to be cracked fast)
>
> Basically,  the policy type may influence  the membership type and type of
> contributions/participation one is able to make
>
> Look forward to our first virtual face to face meeting sometime soon I hope
>
>
> PDM
>
>
>
>>
>>
>> --Jeanne
>>
>> **********************************************************
>> Jeanne Holm
>> Evangelist, Data.gov
>> U.S. General Services Administration
>> Cell: (818) 434-5037
>> Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn: JeanneHolm
>> **********************************************************
>>
>> From: Tim Davies <tim@practicalparticipation.co.uk>
>> Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:18:10 +0000
>> To: <paoladimaio10@googlemail.com>
>> Cc: "eGov IG (Public)" <public-egov-ig@w3.org>
>> Subject: Re: Tools for eGovernance
>> Resent-From: <public-egov-ig@w3.org>
>> Resent-Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:18:59 +0000
>>
>> Just a quick pointer to an interesting Working Draft from the IETF on
>> Remote Participation:
>>
>>
>> https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/draft-ietf-genarea-rps-reqs/?include_text=1
>>
>> As IETF highlight, and as is mirrored by my experience last week trying to
>> remote participate in the Internet Governance Forum, which has also worked
>> hard to support remote panelists and participation, the right mix of tools
>> and practices to support remote participation in face-to-face meetings, and
>> effective cross-platform online-only meetings, currently still seem somewhat
>> elusive.
>>
>> There has been the suggestion in past Internet Governance Forum
>> discussions on Remote Participation that it would be good to have a shared
>> project between a number of conferences / fora which have a governance
>> function to develop shared tools, principles and guidance for
>> e-Participation in meetings - but as yet nothing has come of this. Perhaps
>> it's something that could have connections to the eGov meeting.
>>
>> All the best
>>
>> Tim
>>
>> On Mon, Nov 12, 2012 at 10:47 AM, Paola Di Maio <paola.dimaio@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> just a quick household note
>>>
>>> I may have asked this before, apologies for repetition
>>>
>>> I find it hard to understand why the calls are not broadcast using some
>>> webex type application
>>> ( anymeeting.com  is free and works well and there are others)
>>>
>>> While when I am based at the office I have free calls to most countries
>>> and can easily spend hours on the phone
>>> without breaking the budget for this effort however when I travel (which
>>> in the last few months has been a constant and it is likely to get worse)
>>> it's difficult, expensive and not always possible to get on the phone
>>> long distance.
>>>
>>> This means I cannot volunteer to scribe (I am sure it would be my turn at
>>> some point)
>>>
>>> I must say that I have the same observation for other similar events, for
>>> example I could not attend in person
>>> yesterday the #sw2022 session at #iswc2012 ,  so sorry I am missing the
>>> opportunity to meet in person so many of you!!
>>>
>>> Slides
>>> http://www.slideshare.net/PaolaDIM/sw10-yearslides
>>> Voiceover
>>>
>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9bqBBJNIF4&list=UUcxJu04fCSkU9x1e7BwYYHQ&index=2&feature=plcp
>>>
>>>
>>> I would have expected a virtual connection to present remotely and take
>>> part in the panel discussion remotely, but apparently this was not even
>>> contemplated by the organisers
>>>
>>> the bottom line is: how can we eGovern ourselves, without adopting the
>>> necessary eGovernance tools?
>>>
>>> This brings up another possible topic for discussion, 'Principles and
>>> Tools  for eGovernance' (sine qua non)
>>>
>>> I d love to present a topic or two, and to scribe, when the facilities
>>> are available
>>>
>>> In the meantime, keep it growing :-)
>>>
>>> Cheers
>>>
>>> PDM
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>> http://www.timdavies.org.uk
>> 07834 856 303.
>> @timdavies
>>
>> Co-director of Practical Participation:
>> http://www.practicalparticipation.co.uk
>> --------------------------
>> Practical Participation Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales -
>> #5381958.
>
>



-- 
John S. Erickson, Ph.D.
Director, Web Science Operations
Tetherless World Constellation (RPI)
<http://tw.rpi.edu> <olyerickson@gmail.com>
Twitter & Skype: olyerickson

Received on Monday, 12 November 2012 12:37:58 UTC