ad hoc workgroups possible?
 

DocJohn-

I think this would be possible....

Each individual forum has a few of us who are, shall we say, "compulsive" researchers. But we tend to stay in our own little areas when there might be a lot to gain by crossing "disciplines". Would it be possible to facillitate the following scenario:

Let's say I am interested in how Helicobacter pylori affects the central nervous system. I approach administration and ask that a Workgroup be established with myself as moderator. This group would differ from the regular forums in a few ways-
1-it's focus would be a work rather than support role;
2- while anyone could read only members of the group could post;
3- membership would be by invitation or application to the moderator;
4- the group would have a finite lifespan. at the end it would be renewed upon request but once it had served its purpose it would be closed and preserved as an archive;

As instigator I would roam the various forums, identify folks likely to have an interest, and invite them to join. I might also post a general invitation to apply and/or nominate to catch the ones I missed. This is not meant to be elitist but rather to focus the group. Non-members could apply at any time and could also PM input to individual members.

Having gathered a little braintrust, we would do great things...:)

Could this be made a feature of BT2?

further thought
 

Rather than generate a bunch of individual fiefdoms, it might be better to require, say, three joint applicants to start the groups and serve as mods (though in a workgroup the term "chair" might be better.

Perhaps a something like Research Forum would work for your idea?

each thread could be named for the topic of the information.

most likely only ones with similar info to add would post there.

and as time progresses any new findings or info could be updated.

bump
 

still wondering:)

I've brought up your suggestion to the Admin group here. We'll wait for some feedback.

I am always so impressed by members who work so hard to share information and help with others. You just never know what a group of dedicated minds and souls can come up with. :)

Sorry, I didn't see this earlier....

Yes, I think it's a good idea as long as people take charge of the group and keep it active. Let me know the first one you'd like to setup and we can try that as an experiment.....

sure sounds like an interesting concept and I look forward to seeing how the first one works :)

Thanks for the opportunity
 

I'm going to take a little time to try to get this first one right, but I will follow up. I think having a three member "petition" requirement is probably a good idea so I will start there once we have a subject that crosses over into a lot of neuro areas. Personally, I'm leaning toward inflammation and what we can do about it. Straight forward and readily understandable, at least on the surface. But has a finger in many, many of our problems. Thanks again and I'll see what a Community effort can do.

Sounds fascinating reverett,

Looking forward to seeing this project develop. :)

you have my vote on that one!:)