BLISS Books Links up with Manchester University's Knowledge Vine
A new type of free knowledge network for the Construction Community
http://www.theknowledgevine.net/index.zul
The Knowledge Vine is a novel email based networking system that works in a new way. It is simple, very powerful, informal and free. It is a community of different professional networks. A group for professionals with interests in the construction is now being launched by BLISS Books, in conjunction with Manchester Knowledge Capital. The system allows people to tap into the knowledge, skills, experience and contacts of others in a new way
The system has been described as an email equivalent to “word of mouth” and has been operating very successfully in other business sectors since October 2006. It has proven to be a very effective tool, very popular with users, and generates a strong supportive business community wherever it is applied. The system was developed by The University of Manchester Intellectual Property Ltd.
How it works
Users post their knowledge request in the form of a single sentence question to a central email address for the members of the group. The request email is then forwarded to group members. If someone on the network has the knowledge or information you are looking for they will reply directly back, just to the person that asked the question.
The novel rules for the group are:
- Only one sentence allowed – this forces the requester to communicate very clearly
- The sentence must be a question
- Only reply to the person making the request (no-one else cares!)
- No offers, promotions, or advertising
Sample questions that illustrate what the system could be used for:
· How can we be sure that our supply chain is secure?
· Our project has been cancelled due to the downturn, what recourse do we have?
· What’s the latest planning agreement guidance?
· What standard forms of contract are available for use on a chemical plant?
· Do I have to pay expensive lawyers to start an adjudication?
· I am having problems getting credit insurance. Any tips?
The rules that it uses make it distinctly different and much more effective than existing email and web based tools. Because of the simplicity of the postings, the only traffic users see is occasional single sentence emails in their in box. Because they are written in a very clear communication style they are easy and very quick to read.
The system generates no spam and the volume of traffic is never high, so it adds very little in box load. Surveys of the users have been done on two occasions. The overwhelming response was positive and that the relevance and quality of the replies and support is extremely high. Users also get great value out of seeing the traffic in general as it encourages connections when synergies are evident.
User comments
Below are some comments from some of the users on the system:
· “I got the information required by my client within 15 minutes after posting my request to the network. Simply amazing.....Kudos to the members of the network”
· “The size and speed of the response we got really surprised us”
· “I have tested the network with my first question. It is wonderful! I got 7 answers in an hour! Thanks!”
· “I really think that it is an excellent resource and I am certain that it will prove highly beneficial to us in the coming months”
· “I have found that responses have been both quick and positive”
· “The Knowledge Vine gives a simple and easy solution”
· “On the occasions I have used the network, I have found that the leads I have been given have been very useful and have come through promptly”
· “I would endorse the Knowledge Vine 100% and find that it is of great support”
· “I'm very impressed with the speed of response!”
How to join and use
2. Activate your account by replying to the activation email
3. Browse to and join the Construction Community and any other knowledge groups that interest you.
4. Once you have joined, all you need to do to post a question is email the email address for the knowledge community you want to post to.
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