Beyond Practices is an idea-generation laboratory for knowledge management, technical communication, and related practitioners to share and develop ideas outside the confines of normal business and client-based activity.
It is a community for those of us who feel bound by the conventions of so-called “best practices.” Although best practices have their proper place, sometimes adhering to them prohibits the kind of creative thinking that can lead to breakthroughs in technique and approach that produce competitive advantage and ultimately advance the profession.
Beyond Practices does not have a claim to ownership of any of the ideas presented, discussed, and developed here. Ideas are open source. The actual implementation of ideas in a real-world setting is what ultimately generates economic value. How you choose to apply and execute a given idea within your business model is up to you.
This place is all about ideas and creativity. And Rule #1 in creativity is that rules are made to be broken. So there are no rules here. Instead, please follow these guidelines for participation:
1. There are no dumb ideas. Don’t be shy. An idea that may at first seem sheer lunacy may provide someone else an unexpected insight that leads to a breakthrough in another idea.
2. Feel free to be impractical. Don’t feel the need to self-censor because you can’t see the practical use or path to implementation now. Get it out there, and let it develop.
3. Quantity matters. The more ideas are presented, the greater chance of discovering those that truly have potential.
4. Quality doesn’t. If even the barest fragment of an idea comes to you, get it out there. Someone else might pick up on it. The quality of an idea won’t become apparent until it is developed. You have nothing to lose by presenting your idea.
5. Abusive behavior will not be tolerated. First offense gets you a warning, second offense gets you banned. Even if someone presents what you feel to be the stupidest idea in human history, that doesn’t give you the right to call someone stupid (or worse). If an idea doesn’t have merit in your estimation, point out the shortcomings in a respectful manner and (hopefully) suggest alternatives. See Guideline #1.
