Re: Book

ï»¿ Re: Book

Subject: Re: Book

From: Scott Mintz <scott.w.mintz@gmail.com>

Date: 5/26/10, 11:47

To: Clark Robinson <robinsonchicago@gmail.com>

CC: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com>

Those sound like good ideas, if possible. Honestly, I have no idea what to give, but I think Kickstart should rank high in priorities. I know Barrett is fairly busy working on the Manifest and VF article, but I think something like this would be very helpful in providing us with the capital necessary to put many things in motion.

I wrote the below very early in the morning so if it's verbose then I apologize. Also, it's simply my words and have no idea of their accuracy. This should simply be viewed as nothing more than a place to start (I imagine Barrett's manifest may be answering some of the same questions and possibly with different answers).

This particular piece was written with Kickstart as the main audience. Kindly let me know what you think.

Image: The Project PM Logo
Teaser: Form a self-perpetuating online-based think tank made up of a diverse group of independent thinkers whose collective knowledge will serve the public interest.
Video: A video of Barrett introducing himself, talking a little about his credentials, and what inspired him to come up with Project PM

Why are we doing this?

In today's fragmented world, it is not easy to discover concise and accurate information on a whole range of subjects. We believe by providing a venue for productive, intellectual discourse, we can leverage the decentralized nature of the Internet to become a source of information, and to wisely take actions that are of a benefit to the world.

What makes this different from something like Wikipedia?

Project PM will focus on providing a forum for active discussions of relevant global and local topics where no clear answer has been formed, with the intent that firm conclusions will result in actionable information. Examples of this include discussions on the best way to increase drinkable water to the indigenous populations of rural communities, or how to improve the usage of sustainable farming worldwide. Furthermore, contributors will not be anonymous, enhancing transparency and credibility.

How are you sure the resulting information is actionable?

The truth is that we may never know the right, perfect answer, but we will strive to make as best of an informed decision as possible by leveraging our diverse network. With over X number of individuals showing interest in participating, we expect the wide range of experiences and skills set will be paramount in improving accuracy and clarity as evidenced by the theories behind the wisdom of crowds.

How do you expect the network will work?

The details still need to be hashed out, but the main points of focus include giving everyone a fair opportunity to have their opinions heard, critiqued and commented on, providing means that improve the accuracy of contributed information, and making use of feedback mechanisms that allow for higher quality information to "rise to the top", ensuring greater accessibility of accurate information to the masses.

How will your money be used?

We may use this money to seek counsel in order to put measures in place that include, but are not limited to, protecting contributors' freedom of speech, and enabling the organization us to enter into contracts in order to act upon available information with the intent of making the world a better place, etc. Also, money may be used to create and refine the innovative technologies necessary to ensure the network meets the needs we have impressed upon it such as feedback and filtering mechanisms. Finally, money raised may be used to facility the creation of an online website that is as user-friendly and scalable as possible.

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes, may be in the future seek to receive status as a non-profit organization, and this may be helpful in receiving grant money to enact various undertaking of the organization. Monies received through KickStart will not be used to fund charitable projects.

What do I do if I have any questions?

Feel free to contact us at any time by using the ?send message? feature provided by KickStart. Your questions and/or comments are always appreciated.

On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 10:57 PM, Clark Robinson <robinsonchicago@gmail.com> wrote:

One of the features of Kickstart seems to be that you offer "rewards" to entice donors (Diaspora sends donors a CD with the software when they finish it), what could we offer? Free admission to a Citizen Radio event? Autographed copy of Barrett's new book?

Clark Robinson
Chicago
217-722-8680

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 8:49 PM, Scott Mintz <scott.w.mintz@gmail.com> wrote:

Self-perpetuating fit perfectly!

On a side note, I decided to Google virtual think tank to see how original that is and I came across the attached logo at the following website:

http://virtualthinktank.net/

I have no idea if it costs something, but it may be worth trademarking the Project PM name and logo. Could the patent lawyer be able to assist with this?

Also, concurrent with that thought, does Project PM have an official web address?

On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 9:39 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Yeah, although it might be better to call it "self-perpetuating."

On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 6:36 PM, Scott Mintz <scott.w.mintz@gmail.com> wrote:

I was browsing the Kickstarter website and it certainly seems that projects such as ours may receive considerable support.

Is the following an accurate statement of Project PM?

To form a self-sustaining online-based think tank made up of a diverse group of independent thinkers whose collective knowledge will serve the public interest.

On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 9:12 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Yes, I've actually read summaries of the case made within and have sort of integrated the concept into my thinking on PM already.

On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 6:11 PM, Scott Mintz <scott.w.mintz@gmail.com> wrote:

Have either of you ever heard of the book Wisdom of Crowds? I have only read excerpts of it, but I thought its message to be highly applicable to Project PM:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wisdom_of_Crowds

--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
Brooklyn, NY
512-560-2302

--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
Brooklyn, NY
512-560-2302