Web Lab <http://www.weblab.org> is a non-profit organization that seeks to enhance the way organizations and individuals collaborate online. Marc Weiss is the founder and Executive Producer of Web Lab.

Can you tell me a bit about Web Lab?

Web Lab was founded in the spring of l997, as a "lab" for promoting innovative approaches to online dialogue. In 1998 we created something called P.O.V. Salon to encourage online discussion about the independent films on P.O.V. - which covered such charged topics as the Vietnam War, mental illness, interracial dating, and tobacco farming. The impact on participants was so powerful that we began thinking about entirely new possibilities. Since then, we've set up several Small Group Dialogues, creating simultaneous discussion groups, which encourage "dialogue across difference" - in-depth exchanges between people with varying backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We are based in New York, and have recently launched a new version of our SGD platform, to coincide with our latest project with MSNBC.com, called What Now? Politics, the Economy and Your Life.

What are the principles of SGD?

SGD provides opportunities for uncommonly in-depth, quality online dialogues. After years of experimentation, we've come up with a few techniques to accomplish this goal, both in terms of technology and structure. This involves limiting the size and lifespan of discussion groups to foster commitment and accountability, highlighting member bio's and introductions, as well as featuring high-quality exchanges drawn from all groups. While we don't use moderators or hosts who actively censor content, the small size of the chat groups and respect for the ground rules create an atmosphere that allows discussion leaders to emerge naturally, and often "self-moderate."

Depending on the nature of the project, the participants are usually sorted into groups that cross geographical, ideological, generational and political lines - participants create their own topics, can vote for featured discussions, and can take advantage of other Web Crossing tools such as email digests and notifications.