The DEMOS Process

The DEMOS discussion process is always concerned with one main topic to be commonly discussed on a limited timeline under the guidance of on-line moderators. In order to focus on just one main topic we have found that it is essential for a potential theme to at least meet criteria like popularity, complexity, controversy and persistency.


The first Phase

The basic process model comprises three different phases each with specific goals. The first phase has to initiate, facilitate and broaden the debate and subsequently to identify the most important aspects or subtopics of the chosen subject matter. The latter will be ensured by the moderators who will also have to summarise the discussion during the course of the first phase. The first phase finally results in a set of proposed subtopics that can be more intensively discussed in separate discussion forums that will be offered by the system in the next phase.

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