mink

The essence of neighborhood networks lies in the people who send and receive information that the networks host. The "people" here refers to residents, business owners, community representatives and anyone else who has a stake in the well-being of people coming by the neighborhood. The developers of the neighborhood network are arbitrary, so long as they are not directly involved with the information that is sent or received. The developers only play the role of facilitating the flow of information. 

Of course, the information system would need to be sourced in the neighborhood it represents. Rather than having a central and physical go-to location, the system would need to be accessible to all involved - residents and businesses - such that they can update information at any time. Then again, residents and businesses are likely to have different preferences. Some may prefer to update via the web, other via e-mail or phone or even in person. 

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 ...