Near the beginning of this year there was a discussion that has remained
in my thoughts. It stemmed from many factors including: the benefits of
society membership, the use of the list serve, and in essence the
"purpose" of system dynamics. There seemed to be concern about the free
availability of the field of SD, but there were also points about
underutilized SD resources (especially those available through
membership).
Another point I have noticed is the reoccurrence of topics as well as
parallels and shared features. Some topics have also already been well
detailed in past issues of the SD Review.
Finally I have most absent mindedly forgotten the work of one of my
colleagues:
http://www.systemdynamicist.net/sd/index.php
Jared Rhoads has constructed a website that I believe holds a great
potential for improving the accessibility of SD material and resources.
I think that if Jared, Bob Eberlein, and SD Society were to work
together that it would be possible to put together a far more
transparent and expandable interface for the SD world.
My thought is for it to remain as simple as this email list serve, but
to also be mirrored on an online forum. Through such a format each topic
forms a new thread, but each can also be categorized for future
reference online. In addition, models, papers, and links can be referred
to and made accessible. In process, society membership would be better
"marketed" since SD review articles are very often related to the
discussion topics. I am certain that more individuals would more willing
join if they were aware of the information available to them online
(back issues to 1996 online with membership!).
Anyways, I could go on forever but it is really no use without the
interest of others. Take a look at Jareds site. I can already see that
several changes would be required to make things work, but it is a very
good template. Those who have the time and or resources might wish to
make their potential contributions known. I am certain the WPI could
find an MQP or IQP to assist in development (wink).
Kindest Regards,
-Bruce
From: "Bruce Skarin" <
bruceskarin@hotmail.com>
