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Neighborhood networks 2: How

Hypothetically, a neighborhood network would consist of a flow of information to and from people who occupy it. The information system coordinating this flow might:

  • House residential and business directory information;
  • Enable residents and business owners to register, update or remove their details;
  • Encourage contributions from occupants themselves;
  • Provide businesses with value-added services, such as showcasing products;
  • Facilitate the physical movement of goods and services across the neighborhood;
  • Promote events targeting all neighborhood occupants;
  • Host discussions about infrastructural concerns of all occupants; and/or
  • Assist community-based organizations in mobilizing knowledge and human resources.
The information system could be based on:
  • Print media, ie: leaflets, newsletters, magazines, etc.
  • Visual media, ie: photo essays, videos, TV channels, etc.
  • Audio media, ie: CDs, podcasts, radio, etc.
  • All three, ie: a website. 
An iterative needs-assessment would also have to be built into the information system such that it is rated for usefulness by the occupants themselves for usefulness on a consistent basis. 


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