By ISHAN | Published: JUNE 24, 2010

A possible narrative framework:
Generative dialogue —> Content —> Form (structure) —> Aesthetics —> Meaning —> Intention alignment —> Action potential —> Self-organizing intention realization —> rinse. repeat. rinse. repeat.

content structure: @notthisbody. icon design: @gavinkeech
what role does chaos play in this process? the existence of free radicals generates new trajectories. how can we design and amplify this emergent synchronicity?

*this post will be updated as definitions and symbol sets are refined and frameworks evolve.

By PIPPIN | Published: JUNE 24, 2010

The sociocultural and economic context in which the Emergence Collective operates will need some “backwards-attention” in order to smoothly emerge. Often the question of earning ones living is dwarfed by thoughts of positive innovation and peace on earth. World economics may collapse intirely in some years, or capitalism and democracy might stagnate in a eternal climax (“the end of history”, Fukuyama), or a singularity of sorts might bring us an updated form of spirituality, a reshuffling of values across the board while technology may be embraced in the most humane way, or, or, or. For the time being flat and food cost money that will have to be earned (doing something we hate or love). Most attempts to deny that have failed. If positive innovation should emerge from “the masses” it will have to offer something that deals with “earning ones living”. The other way round!: If anybody earns a living, it should come from positive innovation!

William Blake’s “The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed in Sun”
The beginning of a structure that enables 1. intrinsic (monetary) sustainability for individual creatives and 2. has global positive impact (reducing the urgency of 1.) may have to come in the form of a hybrid: one part parasite, one part next big thing. one part vampire, one part angel. Sure thing: we need to be ultra-flexible and color-changing. Nietzsche, in one of his poems, describes well the kind of character we are looking for:

Scharf und milde, grob und fein,
vertraut und seltsam, schmutzig und rein,
der Narren und Weisen Stelldichein:
Dies alles bin ich, will ich sein,
Taube zugleich, Schlange und Schwein!

By PIPPIN | Published: JUNE 23, 2010

Since the dawn of man the gap between life in the head and life in the world has gone increasingly out of sync. Back in the day our brains were humble servants to basic human needs, giving us the skill just to survive long enough to mate. That strand of evolution ended soon enough. Today the meaning of life is no longer dictated by what we have decided to call “nature”. It is anything, anything we can come up with. (We have become sociable, and — more importantly — terribly creative; enough to make us conjure up any amount of metaphysical nonsense; like the concept of “culture” that tries but fails to cement our universal uniqueness by detaching us from our true and envied source – the source of everything.) These days our brains are fickle and fantastic playthings, powerful enough to manifest (just in thought) concepts that are so far from what is actually happening that we will kill others or ourselves over frustration with this ever growing incongruity. Basically we don’t live in this world anymore, but in a twilight zone where dreams are real as reels and the line that attaches us to our Archimedean point has been cut …
In an evolutionary and semantic sense “emergence” is but a natural process, and there is no need to glorify the term. (But who cares about that?) On the other hand today there is hope that more individuals might live to see more fruits of the change they initiate than ever. So while we’re here, we might as well build ourselves a better life, we might as well have some fun! As a divine (unreal?) force of nature “emergence” has provided us with the agency to take it (emergence) in our “human” (real!) hands. Thus nature changes it’s face. We are now, what once was god. The “divine” — some call it the web — is in our hands, so to say (And to its presence we react with growing confusion). May we pass it on (to the machine?) with dignity. As for now, we need to work on closing the gap between the things we think and the things we make happen. To think smaller or to do bigger won’t do the trick. All the players needs to think and act on a new level of realism. The global scene is that of a squalid kindergarten in which “emergence” has been leading to pompous castles of sand and armies of jelly babies and tantrums and tears … Admittedly we can’t just start afresh (To do so would require a Nietzschean act of human extinction for the good of a theoretical future) and we are once again running on faith and heart and — hopefully — common sense (2.0).

By JAY | Published: JUNE 23, 2010

Firstly, this is not the opinion of everybody, although it might be. But hopefully everybody else can begin to quantify what they see as Emergence and what is their context of interest.

This is an important part of the parallel process we are undertaking here. Our collective self will emerge, it will not be designed, or constructed.

To define is to limit, however it also makes it easy to transfer an idea. So here I will attempt to document what I mean by emergence.

Emergence is what happens when ideas are transferred into action, when things are allowed to happen. The point where dreams become reality. It is the manifestation of what could be. For me I prefer this term to anything else because it removes ego and the perception of self from the creative process. Certain movements, structures, creations and insights that change the world manifest because they are identified, not invented. We are conduits for such ideas, and our goal is to assist them to transcend from the intellectual plane into the physical realm. To assist with their transfer.

Emergence increases as ideas become more open, as conversations are shared and notions of property are discarded. These behaviors, which we experimented with first on line, are now migrating to the real world (along with our desire to hack, remix, reshape and co-create our physical and social structures, and numerous other behaviors developed in the virtual bubble).

Of course emergence can be a negative thing, it is merely a term to describe something happening, that redefines its context as something which is going to happen with or without us. Our task is to accelerate assist and help a positive future emerge, technologies and social structures which can advance us beyond this declining economic system and skewed perspective of reality.

Reality is what we make it, it’s what we believe it to be and the stories we tell about ourselves and each other about who and what we are collectively. These stories affect our perception of self and society and are responsible for how we engage, create and contribute to the world around us. Presently the script for many is one of paranoia, of scarcity, of depletion, of dependence, of powerlessness in the face of global collapse.

Yet the script I’m reading, and I hope we are beginning to share is very different indeed. The story is one of positive manifestation, born of passion and of intrinsic desires to create a better world, of collaborative spaces with strong social motivations being established, dreamed and realised globally. Of new economic experiments, of technologies born of blog posts, of epic events sprung from coffee shop playgrounds, of communities spawned from documentaries, tales, and youtube clips.

This for me is The Emergence, it’s a future worth having. I don’t know exactly what it looks like as I can only see a small part, and it will change as it is dreamed and built by us all.

It will not be defined by consensus, but in parallel. Each vision tested and proved, improved and adapted in a conversation of action.

By JAY | Published: JUNE 23, 2010

Below is a previous post from my blog which I include here because I believe it is an important
factor in Enabling Emergent Cultures and Technology, I will attempt to quantify what I mean
by this in my next post. Parallel process does not seek consensus and therefore is not restricted
by individual ego, perceptions of limitations and barriers.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Whilst chaordinating (a word I keep slipping into sentences, and nobody even flinches,
I hope they’re not hearing coordinating, or they’re missing the point) a truly epic event
(which I really should write something about) with Gabriel Shalom (I should note we
have 22 other collaborators, but this particular discussion was between the two of us).
We were trying to map the relationships between different individual, machines and
activities in order to better understand the connections and opportunities between
participants and how to arrange the space.
We had what could’ve been a very lengthy discussion about what process to use.
Instead it went something like this.
Gabriel – I’m interested to use compendium (Gabriel please let me know what it was
called), because it allows me to make the meta connections and links. To view layers
of information and to view multiple levels of association. There is also an advantage
long term in ease of sharing/connection.
Me – I want to use post-its and paper because I can shuffle the information around in
the physical plane, plus I find that since tools define the outcome in their use I find the
real world a more creative space in which to think.
At this point we could see the merit in each others argument, but each of us felt stronger
that their way was better. So we tried a different solution.
Realising that we could be discussing the merits of different process for hours, instead we
agreed to develop in parallel (this is something that I’m also using for a range of other
projects, having decided that too much conversation sucks balls when trying to get stuff
done, and that sometimes it’s quicker to do everything at once than it is to talk about who’s
right). So I noted down the information on different coloured post-its, reading them out to
Gabriel as I did so, he then created links and meta connections on his computer. I shuffled
post-its, he shuffled pixels.
By then observing each others process we were able to see patterns emerge. By not working
on the computer with Gabriel we optimised development time, and arrived at a result which
was both easily transferable and digitally communicable, but at the same time wouldn’t have
emerged if the computer had dictated the pattern of layout.
Even if the processes had not been complimentary, we still would’ve arrived at an outcome,
and far more quickly than if we had only chosen one methodology (because we cut out all the
discussion).We had a phrase at Palomar 5 marked by a grave – “concensus killed my idea”,
parallel process collaboration arose from this thinking on how to proceed without concensus.
The answer is just to proceed, with people addressing the issues in the manner they think is most
effective, communicating what they have learned and are doing as they go. No blocking, no right
way, only your way in parallel with everybody else’s. Normally everybody is moving in the same
direction, some people will arrive more quickly, others amble, some will discover dead ends, others
hidden gems. It needed be a march, or a three legged race, it’s possible to work together yet separately –
this is the path to autonomy.
What’s important is the goal, or the region of exploration, if you have opposing outcomes then parallel
process won’t work. However in a collaborative context it is an awesome weapon against consensus.
Big hat tip to Christopher Doering who was a big part in these discussions whilst at P5 and I believe
responsible for the grave marker.
Note to Gabriel: Several options by way of reply – propose edits in comments, write your own blog
response and I’ll link. Would be great to have your input and thoughts on the process.

By JAY | Published: JUNE 23, 2010

In February we participated in a modest event at Betahaus sponsored by jovoto who kindly provided a budget of 500 Euros for some food and material costs.

The event fostered a community, and a documentary, as well as numerous products and experimentation, which generated hype, which in turn generated another community. But it didn’t stop there. The collective will to do something bigger, to continue met with opportunity – DMY were interested in fostering a maker community, as were Etsy.com.

DMY offered us 200 sq metres of space (which grew to 300 sq metres), Etsy offered us 2000 Euros for materials (which grew to 3000 Euros). The passionate gathered, motivated by their own unique drivers, ranging from fun, art, community building, a platform, philosophical exploration.

Then the fun really started.

We collaborated with little concensus. But instead a collective understanding of motivations. We empowered one another to do our thing, whilst looking at what we could learn adapt, adopt and share (see parallel collaboration process for one case in point).

The meetings were few. Opting instead for “doings”, building together, sharing knowledge and socialising in shared spaces (palomar 5, and Open Design City), everyone forging their own role around their passions.

There are many stories of emergence, coincidence, and inclusion, for example – when Waag came to visit, they showed us their plans for their stand for the (UN)limited design competition, which will be happening within the space. It bore an uncanny resemblance to Luis’s Turtle (our primary stand structure), the only change required was dimensional.

As one of the glue team chaordinators I’m constantly delighted. I should be stressed, and yet as soon as a challenge arises the network solves. Email’s are responded to before I’ve even considered response, and resources are shared efficiently (managed merely by conversation).

From this events emergence, the passion and the energy, our collective desire for a shared community maker space manifested (a dream we’re discovering many share). Open Design City was born, and quickly created, ahead of time a mere 3 weeks from it’s conception.

So what now? What next?

Next week the DMY Maker Lab takes place between June 9th-13th, at Tempelhof Airport. A starting list of activities can be found here. A starting list of resources can be found here, and a starting list of instigators and activities can be found here (note this doesn’t yet include our latest editions of 1 ton of toy building bricks, and a stone age tool making workshop).

I say starting as this is just the beginning. This space is open, truly in Beta. We are providing the basic structures and starting points for you to engage, to be inspired and to acquire skills. However as a space in Beta, both physically and emotionally, you have the power to help build it, to make it even more awesome with your presence, your passions, desires, materials and skills.

We hope you can join us.

We would like to see this event as a prototype for our own maker space, which we would like to invite you to join. Whilst more modest in it’s resources than the Maker Lab, it will be the people (like the Maker Lab), who manifest it. The Maker Lab shall be an experience of the potential future of ODC. So if you like the event, we hope you’ll support and engage in the next manifestation of our emergent culture.

A note to Journalists: Stop looking for the individual, please tell stories about the collective as to tell the story about the individual you completely miss the real story.

By GABRIEL | Published: JUNE 23, 2010

Delivered in Beta from KS12 on Vimeo.

I experiment with various forms of collaborative storytelling, from Postcards from Berlin to Delivered in Beta (see above). I have been testing various means for restructuring the digital video production process for the last several years, often blurring the boundary between audiences and participants. I’d like to invite you to help us make a new video that will be the first in a series which I’d like to call Parallel Processing, inspired in part by observations made by @jaycousins in his blog post Parallel Process Collaboration.

The Parallel Processing web videos will be collectively authored video essays on simultaneous developments in global innovation. They will be a combination of:

trend research
market analysis
future forecasting
future manifestation
For our first video we will be focusing on video communication tools. For the trend research and market analysis segment, we’d like to profile the following tools:

Apple Facetime for iPhone 4
Kinect for Microsoft Xbox
Skype Beta Group Video Chat
Cisco Telepresence
Supercool School
Dimdim
WebEx
Tiny Chat
For the future forecasting segment we’ll focus on Junto:

Junto History
Current Junto Version
Roadmap for Junto Beta and beyond
The key message we will be how Junto differentiates itself as being part of an entire platform of emergent collaboration and discourse. The goal will be to manifest the necessary resources to bring Junto a step further along in its development by attracting the attention of the larger web development community, its programming talent and resources.

Help write the screenplay:

First we’ll need a paragraph written about each of the tools in the list above, with attention paid to strengths, weaknesses and similarities between systems. Please feel free to pick the tool you have the most experience with or interest in and contribute the paragraph in the comments on this post.

Then we’ll need the core Junto community to help tell the story of the Junto platform in a concise three paragraph structure. Ideal candidates for this part of the screenplay writing would be such individuals as @venessamiemis and @notthisbody. We should articulate why Junto represents a potentially disruptive innovation in the way we communicate and collaborate.

Once all the pieces have been submitted the most active authors will be invited to help streamline and unify all the writing to make it cohesive in its tone and style.

Help collect the assets for the video:

Once the screenplay is done we’ll continue by gathering together images and video content to use as illustrative counterpoint to the text in the screenplay. We’ll need explicit visuals for each tool profiled (screencast captures would be ideal) as well as vision-oriented animations of what the Junto system might look and feel like in the future. Certainly these animations might be inspired by the interface designs already developed by @gavinkeech.

Help make the sound:

The final screenplay will be joined to the visual assets by means of a professionally recorded voiceover. Voiceover actors with an interest in technology and the future of video communication are warmly invite to audition their versions of reading the screenplay. We may even decide to mash together multiple voiceovers. We’ll need recordings at 16 bit, 48,000 sample rate in either AIFF or WAV format. You can also donate music for the soundtrack!

I will do the editing:

My pledge is to finish the final edit of all the assets into one cohesive montage and guide this process. In exchange I am looking forward to your resolve to help us create this vital and exciting piece of audiovisual communication!

What’s in it for you:

With all participant’s names in the credits, you’ll make your entry into a new chapter of collaborative filmmaking and storytelling history while making an impact with your insights and knowledge for the greater good of the community. The video will be licensed under the CC BY-SA Creative Commons license to enable it to spread as widely as possible while giving credit where credit is due.

– Gabriel, KS12

By GABRIEL | Published: JUNE 21, 2010
Last night Venessa and I were discussing our desire to style ourselves as superheros when we describe the essential qualities of each member of the collective. References to games, such as Magic the Gathering, figured prominently in our imagination. Yet there was a mutual feeling that more research could be useful to determine the typical qualities that define superheros. Lo and behold, a quick search in my Feedly blogroll pointed me to this savvy graphic from the Comics Alliance, published in a recent blog post from Geekologie.

With this excellent resource we can make a leap forward in the proper context of superhero subculture. Or at least make a small tongue-in-cheek step. Know of any other resources in a similar vein? How would you stack up if you were a superhero?