The best networks start out as “small world” networks—where small, mostly autonomous micro-networks start to form a larger network, initially via a single node in the micro-networks connecting into the larger meta-network. Here’s an example of what that network topology looks like:
This type of network minimizes the distance (measured in edges) between any two nodes. It also creates a leaderful organizational structure, where many leaders can simultaneously have local autonomy and also coordinate effectively. It’s how Cabin contributor pods are organized, and it’s how Cabin neighborhoods are organized.
DAO member David Ehrlichman has a nice graphic showing how impact networks grow over time:
Initially, you need a hub (like the accelerator program) to bring together spokes (neighborhoods) into a small world network. Then, you can start to create denser connections among the neighborhoods, beyond the initial spokes.
In other words: yes, a neighborhood starts with a single individual bootstrapping their local neighborhood network. Our job is to help this person build their local network, and then find ways to weave more local participants into the larger network city. This is what we intend to do with the RPG @grin started writing about here: Cabin RPG