Networking
'Networking'- Fashion Item or Human Web?
by Christine Fraser
We all do it, but why?
At its best 'networking', whether human or electronic, provides advice and
support; shares information quickly on a self-selecting 'need-to-know' basis;
offers a forum for problem solving; builds relationships; reveals new sources
of inspiration, and establishes new business contacts.
Unlike organisational structures, networks make little demand on its members
to attend things like AGMs, executive committee meetings and all those procedural
activities which are in some ways tangential to the main purpose. One is
free to take part in discussions and activities - or not. One can dip in
and dip out without moral censure; one can network independently with other
members without needing permission or being seen as subverting the 'cause'.
One can freely contribute and freely take from the network. And that's it's
strength.
Of course a 'network' itself cannot be hijacked for another purpose or cause
because it belongs to all those in the network, in equal measure, and is
therefore not up for grabs. Yet networks can network with networks - and
so ad infinitum. In this way human networks mirror open electronic networks
- become veritable Internets in their own right. No wonder the Internet
both fascinates and feels familiar.
© Christine Fraser
Network 2000
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