Protocols for online collaboration

1. Start small.
Start working with the  tool in a core groups of 10- 15.

2. Pick an urgent problem.
A collaborative tool needs to be build based on a real need, an urgency.

3. Start with relevant, high quality material.
The online collaborative environment will not be very enticing if it starts out empty. No one wants to be the first to post a message, add a resource or a document. The quality of these first entries sets the tone and an expectation for posts to come. It creates an identity of the online space. The quality of initial contributions matter a great deal.

4. Keep contributors informed.
After a few initial interactions with the collaborative system, it is not unusual for contributors to drift away. One antidote is to give contributors an update on what's happening in the development of the tool.

5. Emphasize the benefits.
It's natural for contributors to resist getting involved. Facilitators of the tool need to talk about the advantages of using the tool in workshops and face-to-face meetings.

6. Praise the experts.
Verbal praise, the thrill of making a contribution, working in a productive group and having your ideas appreciated contribute to the success of online collaboration. Rather than getting tense with contributors who don't participate in the collaborative environment, emphasize thoughtful contributions.

7. Allow controversy.
Allow controversial debates to brew in collaborative areas— this will foster substantial conversations. Disagreement gets people most engaged in online discussions.

8. Let the users rule.
If you put a collaborative tool into place you have to trust your contributors to take the system and mold it to their style and culture.