Dove Lane

It looks like the knowledge management “profession” is not the only group to have definition problems creating confusion in the rank and file. Game developers face the same problem.

Ads in games are inevitable, and truthfully, as long as the game developers pay great attention to maintaining the game ambience and environment, players are not likely to object. Game development costs rise with each generation of games, and for game developers, alternatives to help offset that cost and keep the price to consumers low are desirable. Gamers, of course, are concerned that advertising will bog down game play and alter the game environment so that they will no longer be “games”…just another merchandising venue. Here are some possible advertising scenarios.

I know a lot of KM practitioners are excited about blogs and wikis and such, but, practically speaking, I just don’t see it working. There are too many organizational issues around them (privacy, control, guidelines and standards, ownership of content, etc.). Most organizations rightly will see them as a lot of extra work for very little, if any, additional value and a lot of potential risk…no matter how inexpensive the software is.

Right now the planning is on for the big fall conferences. I hope that the organizers for all of them can rise above the competition of proprietary interests, and the demands of financial backers to have sponsors, and put the best people on the podium to talk about the real issues and the creative solutions. The way to make the KM field grow and gain meaning and respect is collaboration — building upon what others have contributed. It doesn’t take a Wiki. It takes a willingness.

Introducting a new page that pulls some of my recent postings in online communities together in one place. Check it out

My gaming experience recently has been about getting my little gnome rogue to level 60, and I succeeded last week. I applaud World of Warcraft for attempting to keep the high level players engaged in the game. Having known and played with characters of every class, I never get over being amazed at the level of detail this game manages to deliver. Every class is unique and has special abilities. Every class is fun to play. I think I’ll just enjoy being level 60 again for now, and start saving my gold to buy a high speed mount. I know I’ll need that whichever way the fortunes of a rogue blow…

Is it possible to predict whether a community of practice will succeed before it is started? Here’s a quick check Shawn Callahan suggests that can be a good predictor.

Part 2 of a three-part series on the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and learning in organizations.

Reprint of a conversation I had with a good friend about the difference between knowledge and learning. Part 3 of 3.