Patterns & Metaphors
Participation assumptions
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The participation dynamic of conferencing is the point of input. This is not simply information, but also outlook, mood and morale about the subject matter and intentions for the organization or organizations involved. Different types of conferences maximize different kinds of input. Effective conferencing demands only that participants, facilitators and conference organizers each consider carefully what sorts of input they are responsible for generating.
The attitude of conference organizers toward the participants is an important factor in organizing participation. Considering whether participants are more benevolent and worthy of participating, or whether they are more troublesome and needing to be kept in line is a trap to be avoided. As conference organizers it is necessary to assume, at least in public, that the intent of the conference is sufficiently shared by participants so that they can be expected to cooperate.
