about attention, and linked-up groups and communities.
Ming the Mechanic on Wikipedia and learning, here and on tools for mass listening here.
So, I can right away notice that in some kinds of environments, including some that I’m responsible for, it is often really more easy, interesting and rewarding to stir up some trouble and conflict than to do anything else. Not everybody wants to do that of course, but sometimes conflict gets many readers, many comments and a lot of attention. Not necessarily pleasant, comfortable attention, but attention nevertheless.
And it seems to be an attention economy. Many online communities can be brought to a grinding halt by one person with a well-placed attack. So, unless the exploration and possible resolution of conflict is considered useful, which might be a possibility in certain types of communities, then it might be wise to rethink things a bit.
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