Intergalactic Summit

A recent meta proposal to come up with something new may have not led to immediate discussions on a construction project or some sort of social structure. However, even with the recent lull in progress on the Arek'Jaalan project, we can look at it as sort of a template for new projects.

So with that in mind, I'd like to ask for input from the community here on what worked well and, perhaps even more importantly, what didn't work well in that project. If the goals for a research project include transparency and rigor, what sort of structures might lend themselves to success?

I can't speak to Arek'Jaalan. SYNE's first incarnation, though, was something like what you describe, intended to investigate and try to unravel the Sleeper mystery. Just off the top of my head:

* Do make sure that the leadership has a common vision, or differences will widen into rifts.

* Do select a subject for study that will allow new discoveries to persist over time; SYNE shut down after a long dry spell. International tensions and grudges may remain fresh for eons on end, but academic research longs for new information and ideas.

* Do ensure that all participating parties have a stake in success, ideally one that will outweigh the benefits of well-timed sabotage.

* Do not allow dedication to transparency to cross into madness: there are some discoveries that are best kept quiet, particularly from certain specific groups. You should be clear, in advance, on what sorts of information you will not be disseminating, or it will be out the door before you can say "security leak." The Amarr don't get instant religious indoctrination devices, the Blood Raiders don't get orbital exsanguinators, and Sansha's Nation doesn't get anything that can improve capsuleer performance, especially if it's the kind no sane capsuleer would willingly use.

... Alternatively, you can confine your research to something "safe," but that's not as much fun.

* Do invite broad participation, but maintain a narrower inner core of leadership and be very careful who is trusted to know everything. One principled, scholarly representative from each of the inner powers should be involved, at minimum, if you truly desire transparency. This must, of course, be balanced with the point above.

Just a few thoughts. I make no promises as to effectiveness, or even consistency, but those were some impressions SYNE Mk. I left me with.

Confirming that Dr Tukoss remained far too important a figure within the Arek'Jaalan project.
Known security risks were allowed to continue during the project due to Nation subversion.

However, Dr Tukoss' disappearrance is at this time deemed to be suspect. Unit observers have been dispatched in an effort to locate Dr Tukoss. Current investigation status : Ongoing.

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Additional : Pilot Jenneth makes several points worth consideration.

We Return