Dave Belfer-Shevett
Communication within a cohousing group is critical, particularly during the organizing and planning stages, when geographic separation, conflicting schedules, and life in general get in the way of 'traditional' organizing processes (such as face to face meetings and telephone calls). With such wide acceptance of the web as a communication tool, cohousing groups are faced with many choices in how information is exchanged, projects are planned, and communication happens. Mailing lists, wikis, websites, chat systems, instant messaging—all of these tools have the promise of being the perfect solution, but like any tool, they'll be successful only if implemented correctly and used wisely. This workshop will discuss the variety of tools available, reviewing the relative merits of each technology.
Dave Belfer-Shevett, a self-proclaimed professional computer geek living in Natick, Massachusetts, is an equity member in Mosaic Commons Cohousing, currently under construction in Berlin, Massachusetts. Dave has over 25 years experience in the computing industry, having worked up the ranks through senior management and founding his own company, Stonekeep Consulting, Inc.