Why I’m Switching to Biweekly Posts (And Adding Discussion Threads)
How do you know when it’s time to experiment with the system you’ve built?
After months of solo analysis, I’m curious what insights I’m missing from your perspectives. This fall, I’m trying something different - analytical posts every other Thursday, plus new discussion threads where we practice applying theory together.
The Setup: From One-Way Analysis to Community Practice
I’ve been publishing weekly MSF analysis for 7 months, developing my analytical voice and approach. But I realize I’ve been doing all the talking. Now its time for something new, and I’m curious what insights I’m missing from your perspectives.
So this fall I’m experimenting with a different approach. You’ll still get the same analytical deep-dives every two weeks, for example on August 7th and 21st. But I’m launching “MSF Practice Lab” discussion threads on alternate weeks - starting with a trial run on August 14th, then our first full thread on August 28th when my university students join us.
I’m inviting graduate students from my university public policy process course to join these discussions, on a fully voluntary basis. Think cross-generational, multi-perspective policy conversations where emerging professionals and experienced practitioners wrestle with the same puzzles together.
What This Looks Like in Practice
I’ll post about current policy developments with some initial observations, then invite community discussion. For example, take the congressional stock trading ban that just cleared a key Senate committee - will this idea’s time finally come? What’s different about the political moment now compared to previous attempts? What role are individual policy entrepreneurs playing? I’ll share a news piece to give you some background, and throw the gates wide open, to see what else we can learn by working together.
The goal isn’t perfect analysis - it’s practicing how to apply theoretical frameworks to developing real-world situations. Sometimes we’ll get it wrong, and that’s valuable learning too.
Building online community takes time, so early threads might feel quiet. I’m committed to providing valuable analysis regardless of participation levels, but I’m hoping you’ll jump in with observations, questions, and insights.
Ready to experiment together? Invite your colleagues and friends to join in!
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