Parallel projects

We should identify all similar extant projects and decide if we want to collaborate with, compete against, or ignore them.

Metagovernment - This looks spookily similar to what we're talking about doing. They've done some great work parsing out the procedural requirements for open source government. They're even on a schedule to release a software deliberation tool (called Metascore: "similar to, but more complex than, the one that runs Slashdot"). They don't appear to have a community formed yet, but they're taking nominations for the board of their nascent non-profit.

Wikicracy (or "Wikiocracy") - MediaWiki's own attempt to add deliberative functionality to wikis. Votes use Condorcet Method.

Debatepedia - Georgetown U's (along with the International Debate Education Association - that's right, IDEA) employment of a wiki to create and organize debates. Interesting, but ultimately requires human editors as with all current wikis (as opposed to Metascore's use of reputation), which makes reliable consensus tricky.

People Who Give a Damn - Alternative media, apparently, using a Drupal/Wiki blend.

Unity08 - A highly developed Drupal community that allows registered users to rank the issues of most importance, vote in an online election, and elect the winner chosen by the community.