Thanks for your comments. I’m looking forward to some more reading on your blog, Nancy, not to mention ordering a copy of the book :-) I may use the spidergram with a client in the near future – I’ll let you know how it goes if they are comfortable with that.

That’s a good question, John, and I’ve gone back to your chapter for a closer look. The chapter’s an absolute gem. In terms of value for ongoing stewardship – absolutely. The bits that resonated the most for me are ‘about the work of stewarding’, the ‘lifecycle’ and the ‘orientations’.

I set up an online community earlier this year (elearningresearchnetwork.ning.com). Just jumped in, really, with a free tool and the support of a few colleagues and friends. I think the sections I’ve mentioned are essential to return to for ongoing stewardship because, as you say, communities have lifecycles. The orientations might change over time and stewardship must also surely change as orientations change and the lifecycle, well, cycles.

I guess there could also be an element of reviewing the acquisition strategy/technology solution in step 2? Necessary because ‘the interplay between technology and community evolution is truly a mutual process’.

I think your readers will be able to use the chapter in this way.

The other thing I really like about the chapter is the balance it strikes between helping you know where you’re going and what you want with a generous allowance for experimentation, evolution and ‘messing with technology’.

A question for you, if you don’t mind – would you be able to recommend an online course or community for stewards? Thanks again –

Sarah

Sarah’s last blog post – Stewarding communities of practice

I’m wondering whether you think the Action Notebook is useful for ongoing stewardship?

As to the book, we are working on the last bits now – cover and index. Hopefully it will be listed on Amazon by the end of the month and available in August.

Nancy White’s last blog post..4 Meta Skills for Learning Professionals