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NetSquared is an initiative ofTechSoup
Excellent project
This can be an excellent project that uses technology to engage the public in ways that change the world for the better. Very well thought-out.
As I see it, the key challenge will be to get people to the site, both initially and repeatedly. This will make you effective, but more to the point, will drive the revenue model, which in turn will make you sustainable. There are so many options for web users in this space, that you have to tightly define your audience and create an ongoing buzz that will get them there and keep them coming back. Are there key "connectors", people or orgs whose participation and enthusiasm will bring lots of others along? I like the idea of focusing initially on one or two key issues to get good dialog going, and maybe some media exposure. I'd suggest having some target site traffic metrics and milestones to gauge your success and keep your team focused. If you can get a critical mass of traffic, I see this being a successful project.
Scott