Candidate Pattern: LeavingTrails

Summary	Leave trails as you move communication/conversation from one channel to another.
Status	seed	Confidence	1
details...		Group	Digital Identities

Problem

A single communication channel may not be suitable for all forms of interaction particularly where we need to move from a public space to a private one, for example to transmit sensitive information to an individual or a smaller group. Switching channels without telling others why and where you have gone can leave them confused and leave you with a damaged reputation.

Context

Any situation where you move a conversation from one channel to another and leave others behind in the original communication space.

Forces:

1. Secure communication: The need to transmit sensitive information to a subset of a group or an individual

2. Cohesion: Maintaining group cohesion through shared conversation

Solution

Leave a trail or a trace of why and where you have moved. If appropriate leave an option for others to join you in the new space. Flag in advance the moment when you will leave the original space, and why, and then announce your return when finished and supply a summary of what happened if appropriate.

Notes, Links and References

Liabilities, potential risks, extensions, expected side-effects

Risks in not following this pattern in terms of identity are related to reputation. Leaving a conversational space unannounced can come across at best as forgetful or at worst as rude and ignorant.

It may not always be appropriate to summarise the details of a particular conversation if the details need to be kept private.======= Verification ========
See scenario: 1) Changing channels
======= END Verification ========

Licensing

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.