We need some cool rules, don't you think?

[Pat Coyle]

Now that this site has gained some critical mass, it seems time to talk about a code of conduct, or misson / vision statement. It seems to me we need some way for everyone to know what's appropriate and what's not on the site. For example:

1. Direct sales - Should members be allowed to approach other members with uninvited sales pitches?

I vote for no direct selling.

2. Messaging - Can anyone message anyone else? Or do you need to be friends first?

I vote to allow messaging, but if someone's bugging you and they don't stop, notify the admin and that person can get suspended or banned.

3, Invitations - Should we invite anyone / everyone to join this site, or do we want to be somewhat selective and recruit the most creative people first?

I vote that everyone is welcome as long as they play by the rules., and I encourage everyone to invite the most creative and interesting people they know.

That's all I can think of for now...will these rules suffice? I don't want to add too many more...what do you guys think we really need??

[Kyle Lacy]

I agree completely with 1 and 2.

When it comes to invitations, I think we need to put together a "mission statement" of such, to be able to help people discern who to invite to the site.

We don't want to become a selective community, so I am okay with inviting people from every type of business structure as long as you believe they will contribute to the conversation.

[Erik Deckers]

I can agree with #1, even though I did it once. Just the once, and I felt dirty. So I agree wholeheartedly, and promise never ever to do it again.

Same with #2. (Although I didn't do that one at all. I didn't even know we could message people until yesterday.)

I think we need to keep admissions open. Who are we to say who's the most creative? I don't want to see this become a clique where only the cool kids can play. I think everyone will have something to contribute, whether they're considered "creative" or not. Even government people may have something to contribute. (I say this having worked in state government for over a year.)

[Kyle Lacy]

I agree with you, Erick.

[Grant Z Price]

#1 - what about job offers? how do you classify direct selling?

#2 - I think they should be differentiated in some way the way Outlook has a 'spam' folder and a separate inbox

#3 - Probably everyone, but quality will be a focus

All in all I would suggest that transparency in rule making and authoritative moves is key. Secrecy will be a killer. I reference the DIGG.com and DRM code debacle where the admins gave up the site to its community after a mass e-revolt.

Also I would reference this article - http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/12/04/wikipedia_secret_mailing/

Pat, if you want, I have the personal number for Fark.com founder Drew Curtis, he may be a good reference point for you once this gets going.

[Lorraine Ball]

I vote for a generally open platform.

Direct Selling - Boo, Hiss, No, No, No

Messaging -If you are not direct selling...I think it is fine.

Who should be invited? People you want to hang to out. I have sent invitations to people i enjoy spending time with, and don't get to visit with ofen enough. No barries, but I invited people I think you would enjoy meeting - electronically, and F2F.

And on the whole creative/non-creative thing.. I firmly believe everyone is creative in their own right. While we may have differnt creative styles -
See information on Kirtins Innovative/Adaptive index. http://opensourceinnovation.wordpress.com/2007/06/03/nature-of-inno...
we each bring our own creative perpective to the mix. I think we should embrace that diversity.



My guess is most of the early members of SM are us are high on the innovative / creative scale. It would be a good balnace to ehe site to have a few more adaptives.

[Kyle Lacy]

I would love a different balance of people on the site. Let's get some left brained people in here! My head actually tips right because my right side is so heavy.

[Chris Williams]

I agree with what you have outlined regarding membership. In the few days that I have been a part of Smaller Indiana my perceptions are that this group is comprised of an eclectic and creative mix of bright people that really understand the impact of community. Ideas are shared that can help each of us in our individual assignments and also could provide a network of important contacts for the future.

[Ade Olonoh]

I vote no direct selling. However, I think people should feel free to promote their business/products/projects on their site, as long as it's not done by spamming members. After all, I think one of the goals of the site is to increase awareness of what creative, talented people are doing in Indiana.

I vote yes to messaging everyone. It seems awkward to have to invite someone to become your "friend" in order to send them a message.

I vote yes to open invitations. I don't know how we'd qualify the creative versus non-creative. If someone becomes abusive or drags the community down, then I think there are ways of dealing with that. It's even more of a risk that we alienate someone who would otherwise participate and enhance the community.

[Lorraine Ball]

One of the things that happes over time, is people who don't fit, self select out. When they join for the wrong reasons, and those goals are not met.. they will eventually move away.

[Douglas Karr]

1. No pushing, but pulling is okay!
2. I think this is built right in, you can block someone.
3. The more the merrier! We'll get more and more groups so it won't look like a huge network, but lot's of 'smaller' ones. Kind of goes with the theme!

[Jeremy Schieler]

I agree that we shouldn't limit who can join and I concur that direct selling is NOT wanted and should not be permitted. I think there should be some sort of policy where you get a couple of chances and if multiple reports start to surface that you are engaging in direct selling you lose your right to participate in smaller indiana.

[Joh Padgett]

I think direct selling is probably a bad idea in general, but what if someone put out a general request for quotes from the community? I think I agree with Douglas Karr below, pushing is a no-no, but pulling ought to be allowed. As for messaging and invitations I agree these should be open to everyone.