I'd like to ask for opinions about details of large scale public discussions, as well as something I'm working on to greatly facilitate them.
The project is to develop a format for both recording and graphically displaying the relevant "facts" and opinions for any discussion.
When you're talking about millions of people, even billions, the likelihood a single format would suit everyone seems remote. But, as with most things, it depends on how you look at it. I say it can be done.
Rather than spew pages of text, I was hoping to point out several individual details for consideration, starting with the following 2.
C1) Assume you've already went on the web page for a specific discussion and entered your personal opinion and facts. When you look back at your input and the main discussion, which do you think is better;
a) that you're satisfied your original input of opinion and facts are shown chronologically along with all others in a list (cf. comment sections) or,
b) that you're satisfied your opinion and facts are properly presented within the main argument/discussion framework, and that your original input stays accessible.
and;
C2) "Trolls" are seen to be a problem in many public discussions and comments, and dealing with them is an important aspect of any public discussion format. Up to now all I've seen are suggestions to ban them somehow, but that would be the death of any universal discussion process. The only viable solution is to create a discussion system where trolls are irrelevant.
These are 2 from a list of details. Naturally each requires further explanation, but these are the core ideas.
Personally, I think C1-b) is the better alternative.
What do you think of the "solution" presented in C2.
I hope you think at least the idea of it worthy to give constructive comments. I don't know if this will go anywhere, but it definitely won't if we don't at least try. By "we", I mean those who want to have a real way for all people to discuss and make reasoned, implementable decisions.
One of the greatest barriers to meaningful large scale public interaction is the lack of a suitable public discussion and decision process, and such a thing has to satisfy many diverse expectations.
The best way to identify those expectations is to ask, and the best way to find out how your expectation would be met is to ask me.
Ibid