By locating deliberations as such, the initiative draws people into discussion who are intimately involved with, and physically impacted upon, the issues at stake, whether they be pollution, roading, or schooling. This focus upon shared and pressing material problems, rather than abstract questions, encourages meaningful and engaged intercourse that draws out participant's real needs, concerns, and interests. Sean Y, we see your hand here. Very interesting examples. The aligning power of ignorance.
Dead center is dead wrong.
Companies need to explore complementary markets for new technologies and products, rather than expecting to cannibalize existing markets. Value lies at the edges. As networks evolve, intelligence on a network is able to move, and is migrating from the center to the edges. Good stuff on determining objectives and strategies. Available as Open Source.