Step 1: Suggest research topics

First, each participant takes a period of time to locate topics they'd like to do themselves or see covered by others. Each posts a list of three or four of their top topics, perhaps with a list of web resources. Participants need to explain the problem in sufficient detail for others to decide whether it should be selected. Participants might also indicate which ones they'd be really interested in writing on, and which ones they know nothing about and want someone else to cover.

Step 2: Moderator narrows list of research topics

The moderator selects a certain number of those questions, and gives participants the opportunity to choose one.

Step 3: Participants write preliminary papers

Each participant researches the topic he/she has selected and writes something NEW on the subject. At this stage, it might not be fully academic, just short (or maybe long) essays on the subject. They then post their essays to all group members.

Step 4: Participants comment on papers.

Every other participant can write comments on those essays that most interest them, although they may not respond immediately to all of them. The main requirement is that comments need to be rather carefully thought out and worded. They may take the form of brief responses (explained only enough for other participants to understand clearly), in-place quote-and-response comments, or longer essays in which the respondent selects themes and carefully writes a short essay.

Step 5: Authors respond to comments.

Essay writers collect the incoming comments and decide which of two options they want:

• They may write one rebuttal that deals with all the comments,
• They may revise the essay, modifying it according to critiques received, and re-release it, or,
• They may revise the essay, modifying it according to critiques received and including a rebuttal, and re-release it.

Step 6: Get assessed.

Papers are authenticated and assessed.