I just came across a wonderful expose' of modern think tanks. Check it out to see why the world needs an open source think tank such as the wisdom project.
Disinfopedia's Think Tank Definition
(Chat information is below!)

Chat with Matt on April 30th!! 10 AM PST (1pm EST)

Ok I have made a temporary plan for the Wisdom Project Online Meetings. We will use IRC.

Here is a little tutorial for joining the chat.

You will need to click the link below:
after that you get this screen:


After you type a name and hit enter, you will get this screen:



Type this:
/join #wisdomproject
hit enter, and you should be in the chat room.

Got it?
Ready?
Here is the link:
Launch Chat Program!

Instructions for Advanced IRC Users
For advanced users or anyone who wants to learn, here are the details of the IRC chat.
You can connect to our online chat using any IRC client. Mirc is the most popular.
The server you need to connect to is:

WilliamsLake.BC.CA.Starlink-IRC.Org

The channel you then need to join is #wisdomproject

I will also be online with msn messenger if you just want a quick word. My account on msn messenger is matt_ready@hotmail.com

The meeting agenda:
Meet and get to know eachother a bit.
Choose the next step for the wisdom project.
Matt's suggestion: A cash prize debate
Other possibilities: library of great works...and continued growth
Other ideas welcome!

Ok, looking forward to meeting more people and talking to everyone!

Matt

The Wisdom Project is starting to surge with the energy and insight of its membership. For that reason, I am putting the Blog back on the front page.

Tpolg, Maher, and Clyde have all chatted with me about the future plans for the project. Where it is, where it is going, and how to get there. There are several other members who have expressed interest in helping build this project and I hope you will follow through.

The Wisdom Project is the worlds first and only open source think tank. It fosters wisdom through dialogue in its forums. Anyone interested in helping achieve this mission is invited to participate in the planning discussions in the Wisdom Project Development Forums.

Some of the ideas being explored:

Is the Wisdom Project ready to host a focused cash prize debate?
What should the Wisdom Project Website look like?
Should we host a library of great works?

I am going to spend the next couple weeks digesting and sorting through all the ideas and suggestions to come up with a short term plan of clear actionable steps. I have also scheduled another open chat session for April 30th, 2004. More details later on how to join that chat. Until then, keep the discussions going!

And Just a Note on Rating Posts
Qu2r once asked me about the criteria for post rating. This is what I said:
Post rating criteria.

Think of the post rating in the Lyceum as "wisdom ratings".

People should rate posts based upon how wise or foolish they judge the opinion, idea, reasoning, or offered solution.

For example, imagine two people both favoring a solution you abhor. The first recites precanned arguments like a broken record and ignores any compelling questions or counter arguments. You might rate most of this person's posts with a 1. The second person expresses their view with apparently well thought out reasoning and a seemingly genuine effort to find the best answer. They respond to questions and they admit when counter arguments have some validity. Although, you still abhor thier ideas, you might rate some of their posts 3 or 4.

Or imagine reading a debate on presidential candidates. Don't just rate all John Kerry or George Bush supporters the same. Look at how the authors express their support. Take into account their tone and reasoning. Do they seem thoughtful and honest or close minded and partisan? Rate their posts taking into account both their position and the way they participate.

If we all rate posts using this method, we will be able to identify the people who are genuinely the most insightful, thoughtful, intelligent-and yes indeed- the most wise. Then we can begin taking things to a new level. For example: Imagine we had an abortion debate and 500 people participated. Everyone posting solutions, comments, questions, and most importantly-rating posts. We could do it in rounds. The people with the highest wisdom ratings (on both sides of the issue) will be invited into a second round of debates. And then we could do it again to a third round and so on. Until finally we have identified the 2 highest rated people on this single issue. Those two people could have a final debate-and the Wisdom Project would publish the well written, insightful, inspiring, and eloquent prose of these people.

This site is not just about expressing your opinion. It is also about using your judgment to assess the value of what other people have to say. You don't even have to write anything to be an invaluable member of this community. Simply by reading the debates and rating posts, you are giving us invaluable information about the content on this site. You don't get that kind of interaction from any political magazine or newspaper anywhere.

So get in those forums and begin passing judgment. Your opinion matters!