In a recent article, Prieto-Martin et al (2012) voiced criticism over resource-intensive eParticipation projects organized by established institutions “top down” and advocated a low key grass roots approach “bottom up”. We want to look into this issue by comparing the results of a number of eParticipation projects managed by Cbased where documents were discussed and voted on the paragraph level by different types of communities.
Table 1 summarizes the results of five public consultations sorted according to size of the document discussed and the number of participants. Dedicated web sites were set up (see http://www.cbased.com/en/consultation/plattform-forschungsinfrastruktur-rat-fur-forschung-und-technologieentwicklung, http://expectations2012.eu/en), http://www.forschungsstrategie.at/, http://www.iktstrategie.at/, http://www.energieforschungsstrategie.at/) and awareness campaigns were conducted to promote participation in these projects.
|
|
Users |
Size |
Votes |
Comments |
Votes/ User |
Relative |
Comments/ User |
Relative |
|
EU Youth Expectations |
217 |
51 |
2431 |
190 |
11,20 |
21,97% |
0,88 |
1,72% |
|
Research Infrastructure |
155 |
64 |
1500 |
212 |
9,68 |
15,12% |
1,37 |
2,14% |
|
Energy Research Strategy |
750 |
192 |
8000 |
806 |
10,67 |
5,56% |
1,07 |
0,56% |
|
Austrian Research Strategy |
411 |
269 |
6828 |
713 |
16,61 |
6,18% |
1,73 |
0,64% |
|
Austrian National ICT Strategy |
67 |
729 |
1231 |
151 |
18,37 |
2,52% |
2,25 |
0,31% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Austrian National ICT Strategy |
67 |
729 |
1231 |
151 |
18,37 |
2,52% |
2,25 |
0,31% |
|
Research Infrastructure |
155 |
64 |
1500 |
212 |
9,68 |
15,12% |
1,37 |
2,14% |
|
EU Youth Expectations |
217 |
51 |
2431 |
190 |
11,20 |
21,97% |
0,88 |
1,72% |
|
Austrian Research Strategy |
411 |
269 |
6828 |
713 |
16,61 |
6,18% |
1,73 |
0,64% |
|
Energy Research Strategy |
750 |
192 |
8000 |
806 |
10,67 |
5,56% |
1,07 |
0,56% |
Table 1 shows a quite uniform picture, with 1.5 comments/user and 13 Votes on average. Also the participation rates were close to the average of 20%. The feedback per user increases slightly with document size, as this provides more opportunities for feedback. However, the perceived relevance seems to decreases with size, as indicated when the votes and comments per user are set in relation to the document size. Though weaker, a similar effect can be seen with increasing community size.
Table 2 contains the results of private consultations (for further information on these projects see https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cbased/150967281630948). Most of the projects were conducted using the standard Cbased web design and invitation mails were the only means to create awareness (for an example see http://www.cbased.com/de/consultation/cluster-manifesto). Here one can observe higher feedback rates, but also much more variety. Also the participation rates ranged from 1% for Concept Master Program over 20% for the EU Cluster Manifesto and the Journalrating to 75% in the case of the Organisational Handbook and Postdoc Career Development. Nevertheless, document and community size still seem to play a role. One can therefore conjecture that smaller scale projects yield more intensive discussions, albeit at a risk. The reason for this phenomenon could be that it is easier to communicate the relevance of a more focused issue to a smaller group than a broader more abstract one to a more heterogeneous group. In the latter case the differences are averaged out, while in the former one there is the risk that the issue is not considered relevant at all.
|
|
Users |
Size |
Votes |
Comments |
Votes/ User |
Relative |
Comments/ User |
Relative |
|
EU Cluster Manifesto |
111 |
19 |
500 |
171 |
4,50 |
23,71% |
1,54 |
8,11% |
|
Concept Master Program |
34 |
29 |
43 |
15 |
1,26 |
4,36% |
0,44 |
1,52% |
|
Postdoc Carreer Development |
48 |
30 |
543 |
159 |
11,31 |
37,71% |
3,31 |
11,04% |
|
Rating Agencies |
71 |
32 |
293 |
76 |
4,13 |
12,90% |
1,07 |
3,35% |
|
Journalrating |
111 |
55 |
889 |
70 |
8,01 |
14,56% |
0,63 |
1,15% |
|
Governance Codex |
39 |
197 |
1205 |
125 |
30,90 |
15,68% |
3,21 |
1,63% |
|
Political Program |
303 |
200 |
4039 |
328 |
13,33 |
6,67% |
1,08 |
0,54% |
|
Organisational Handbook |
23 |
476 |
1211 |
378 |
52,65 |
11,06% |
16,43 |
3,45% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Organisational Handbook |
23 |
476 |
1211 |
378 |
52,65 |
11,06% |
16,43 |
3,45% |
|
Concept Master Program |
34 |
29 |
43 |
15 |
1,26 |
4,36% |
0,44 |
1,52% |
|
Governance Codex |
39 |
197 |
1205 |
125 |
30,90 |
15,68% |
3,21 |
1,63% |
|
Postdoc Carreer Development |
48 |
30 |
543 |
159 |
11,31 |
37,71% |
3,31 |
11,04% |
|
Rating Agencies |
71 |
32 |
293 |
76 |
4,13 |
12,90% |
1,07 |
3,35% |
|
EU Cluster Manifesto |
111 |
19 |
500 |
171 |
4,50 |
23,71% |
1,54 |
8,11% |
|
Journalrating |
111 |
55 |
889 |
70 |
8,01 |
14,56% |
0,63 |
1,15% |
|
Political Program |
303 |
200 |
4039 |
328 |
13,33 |
6,67% |
1,08 |
0,54% |
Should we therefore stop public consultations? We think not. Even though in such cases one cannot expect that same intensity of participation than in more focused undertakings, the feedback gained is far higher and media rich than, for instance, in the case of traditional market surveys. In fact, the Austrian Research Strategy project was perceived as very successful and for this project the initiator Austrian Council received the "European Public Sector Awards 2011 (ESPA 2011)". Nevertheless, eParticipation projects involving complex tasks for large groups entail considerable and tailor-made effort to create awareness and to communicate the relevance and trustworthiness of the effort. If properly done, however, the risk is limited.
Potential initiators of bottom up projects lack the budget for such activities, but might be able to count on the intrinsic relevancy of the issue under debate. Due to the higher relevancy risk, this group of initiators does not need sophisticated configurable systems for engagement but rather a standardized and easy to set up tool so that the effort lost in case of a relevancy gap is limited. Therefore, based on the experiences made, Cbased has decided to offer two platforms: the cbased platform, on which custom-made projects are made, and discuto, which provides a set up within minutes and a fully automated project management.
Literature
Pedro Prieto-Martín, Luis de Marcos, Jose Javier Martínez: The e-(R)evolution will not be funded: A transdisciplinary and critical analysis of the developments and troubles of EU-funded eParticipation, European Journal of ePractice, 15, 2012, 62-89,
About the author :
The fashion world is undergoing a significant change towards artisanal craftsmanship, placing the stitched top at the heart of modern outfits. While cuts and stitching methods are crucial, hue choice stays the primary element in how these pieces translate across the year. As we explore the current year’s fashion movements, we see a clear trend shying away from saturated, bright shades toward sophisticated, natural, and classic shades that highlight the intricacy of embroidery.
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The Popularity of Neutral Bases
Neutrality has redefined luxury this year. The most sought-after embroidered blouses are appearing in muted, natural tones that highlight the texture of the thread rather than clashing with it.
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Warm Sand and Ecru: These shades act as the perfect base for tonal embroidery. When the thread blends with the base fabric, it produces a delicate, sophisticated relief effect that elevates the garment from everyday clothes to high-fashion status.
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Terracotta and Rust: These colors have become a must-have for those seeking a boho-chic style. The heat of the shade matches intricate botanical imagery, rendering these items ideal for in-between climates.
The Revival of Dark, Atmospheric Colors
Outside of the earthy tones, there is a clear trend toward deeper, more dramatic palettes. These colors provide a vivid contrast that allows bright or metallic embroidery to truly pop. Deep navy, dark slate, and deep plums are regularly featured in lines that lean toward evening or formal smart wear.
Dark colors are not just about looks; they are about adaptability. A deep-hued blouse with detailed threadwork offers a seamless shift from a professional office environment|formal job setting to an evening dinner engagement|dinner date. The dark background acts as a border, drawing the eye straight to the detail of the embroidery.
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How to Choose the Right Color|Best Shade for Your Style
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Fabric Synergy: Color and Material Importance
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Final Thoughts on Building Your Wardrobe
The top hues for embroidered blouses this year reflect a wider cultural trend toward thoughtful, slower clothing|conscious style. Whether you are drawn to the calming effect of sage mist|pale green or the sophisticated reliability of charcoal gray|dark slate, the key is to prioritize pieces where the color improves the longevity of the garment. By selecting high-quality embroidery|superior craft that matches your current closet essentials, you guarantee that your blouse stays a useful and stylish asset|fashionable item for a long time.
As you explore these trends, keep in mind that the most effective wardrobe items are those that weigh current styles|new looks with personal expression|individual flair. Selecting a color scheme|shade range that matches your lifestyle—striking styles or delicate, tonal elegance|understated class—will in the end define how much use and pleasure|wear and satisfaction you get out of your embroidered attire|stitched apparel.
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The E-Participation Index (EPI), the first index to assess e-participation projects globally, has been available since 2003 according to the United Nations. For failing to reflect the social component of e-participation programs, this measure has drawn criticism. The EPI solely evaluates government-related e-participation efforts, ignoring any civil e-participation activities on the society side. By gradually adding the Human Development Index and the Democracy Index to the EPI, the society-side of this effort is incorporated. The best-worst method (BWM), which involves polling 23 experts, is used to determine the weights of the index. The findings reveal that the most crucial factors for measuring e-participation efforts are political rights and civil freedoms. Get Subway Princess and more dragon games here.
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