they will meet each other randomly

they will often be on the same space at the same time

this will show them the note chat magic organically

the theory of third space is key for conversations.

you will collaborate so much more effectively in third spaces.

and i can’t predict when other features of metanotes will be online, so the circles are what i have in the interim.

starbucks is an example of a third space.

you arrange to meet your friend on neutral ground when you say “let’s meet at starbucks”.

circles are the “third space” in metanotes.

the circles MUST WORK.

they must be populated with vices.

but right now everyone is silent.

i need to point a lot more energy into the circles.

let’s route sn catalog traffic here!!!!

that is what metanotes represents…

the ultimate meeting place.

there are so many topics of different circles and it feels like you have to stay in that one topic. Maybe this is a reason why not many people are going to them.

Also, I think that there aren’t a lot of people online at the same time to use the circles effectively; and when more than two or three people are on the same page, it lags and gets kind of confusing. But overall, we should just be patient, usage of circles is growing… even if slowly.

i agree

we are planning to

• in the short term
  • add a few more clever circles
  • prune boring circles
  • rank the circle menu by last-space-created
    • that way the more active circles bubble to the top
• in the medium term
  • we are introducing the concept of the METACIRCLE
    • this will be a discovery and creation tool for circles
    • we envision as many circles as usenet
    • we envision private circles
    • users will belong to circles
      • joining and adding events are percolated to the Time Log
    • we envision invite-only and password-protected circles
• in the long term
  • circles will be like representation groups
  • there will be a “congress”

i’m imagining this phrase “meet me in the red circle”

i’m imagining color-coding people and circles

also i want people to think “i’ll start a space in the advice circle” when they want to start an open project type thing.

I really like the idea of the most active circles being up top!

but all of those sound like fabulous ideas,

and i’m glad the heroes are keeping you going :D

I’ve noticed facebook fosters more rapid discussions as opposed to myspace where a ‘conversation’ can simply die after 2 posts. I feel this is due to facebook’s notification system. A script taps you on the shoulder and says: “Hey, dummy, someone said something and here’s what/where.” As intelligent or idle a person may be, they cannot be trusted to keep checking back at seven different locations hoping for a response that may not even come, too time consuming. Perhaps a console/timelog method of tracking new notes in a circle or even space or even user? Stalking would have to be a concern in giving people this much power, though.

having controlled visitation with my parents at Starbucks. Although those ended the day my mom found out venti super-hot lattes could be used for domestic violence.