Step 1.
Prepare before the dialog begins.
• Select a topic and purpose for dialog. This
will guide which steps to select or what type of new steps to create.

• Identify the guaranteed participants. Although the entire network is invited to join the discussion, identified participants commit
to participation.

• If the dialog entails coming to a decision,
identify the decision making processes
to be used.

• Identify a moderator who takes responsibility for moving the discussion forward and for bringing it to closure.

• Set a start and stop date for the dialog.

Step 2.
Moderator posts first message.
This message describes the purpose of the dialog, the steps to be followed, the decision

making process (if applicable), and the time limit for discussion.

Step 3.
Participate according to guidelines.
Most online dialog works best when
pre-established guidelines are used. Because guidelines vary according to the purpose of the dialog, they will differ from discussion to discussion. Be sure to plan for closure when the dialog is first established.

Step 4.
Moderator provides final summary.
Be sure to provide a final summary of the
discussion once the dialog has run its course.
This summary helps the participants to review and gives casual readers a context for
understanding what has transpired.