Comments

David, thanks for inviting me to join in with Commonspace. There are a number of organisational involvements that I have, and one that is very relevant in this context is the proposal within the British Computer Society about new Web facilities to promote social networking and online discussion. I’ve been drawn towards the centre of these proposals especially as they affect BCS Member Groups.

I also have an interest in information and knowledge management within communities and I co-ordinate a discussion list on JISCmail called Knowledge, Information, Data and Metadata Management (KIDMM). We have a web site of record here: http://www.bcs-kidmm.org

 Personal blog: http://conradiator.wordpress.com

Thanks Megan ... it feels as if there are now more people interested in membership, social media and related issues than a year ago ... so we should have fun! I'm looking forward to connecting with your research work. The image is from a flower and seems to be about ... well, maybe that's to discuss!

David

Hi David

It's great to see commonspace up and running again. I'm looking forward to lots of interesting ideas about the future of membership over the next year!

Megan

PS Like the image, what's the thinking behind that?

Good Point

What a fascinating article

Your last point on commodification of membership offers is a bit depressing

Are we in danger of following not leading public attitudes? Surely fostering a sense of commitment and responsibility to others and the collective endeavour is what membership organisations are for? 

And is there room for optimism - there is surely a lot of loyalty still left (once people start volunteering don't they stick? bank accounts? jobs? brands?) - or am I naive