As a side benefit of such a group, you might find engaging the more technical types useful in advancing your own efforts.

I have to say, though, that all of this sounds remarkably similar to the conversation that began the OAC a few years ago. The only difference being that this is a little more focused on OA, and the conversation back then was more general frustration with the AAA. I was part of that initial conversation (on twitter, then on Keith Hart’s website, then on Ning), and it seems this kind of frustration comes back again and again – wasn’t really resolved by the creation of the OAC. I’m not suggesting we start another alternative association, but that maybe we need to pool some resources external to the AAA, put those into relation with some academic departments, and get some movement in the discipline as a whole to support some projects. Any ideas on that?

I’ve mentioned before that the first thing we need is a website that brings all of this information together – what OA journals are available, where are they, why should we support OA, and what can we do to support OA? Kerim mentioned his various past projects – I’m not the one to take this over either (due to time and know-how constraints). There must be someone out there who could, though. Maybe we can find a grant? I don’t know… just shooting ideas out there.

1) I really like the idea of working toward something that extends beyond the AAA. Several people have already mentioned why this makes sense. Especially considering the rules and restrictions that the AAA imposes on IG’s (as Megan points about above).

2) At the same time, I agree that starting something within the AAA can be a good start. It can be a focused subset that’s part of wider initiatives. This could be a good place to start, at least for those connected with the AAA.

3) I also think it’s important, as Daniel says above, to ” link between anthro’s of all stripes.”

I’m also curious if a listserv has or could be set up for OA Anthropology. Digest emails about new OA publications, calls for papers or reviewers, and OA events could be set up that get news into peoples’ inboxes with a minimum of fuss. Is this already going on somewhere?

“Maybe we could transform that into a mission statement for a potential “digital anthropology” interest group instead.”

That’s a good idea.

We have nothing drafted at all – we were just discussing this 2 days before you posted and looking through the requirements to start an IG and figuring out what would need to get done. I’ll forward you the e-mails.

I also see a need for a larger effort, one more aimed at organization and at getting an OA journal together and being able to link between anthro’s of all stripes. But that’s a separate thing, something in more direction reaction to the problems of AAA as an organization and also that a lot of us are seeing common interests and new ways to interact come together.

I hope the larger initiative does get started, but a section group is certainly something that could provide us a bit of a forum to talk and interact more.

Maybe we could transform that into a mission statement for a potential “digital anthropology” interest group instead. It seems like you, Jason, and Daniel, have been having similar ideas. I think we should join forces. Do you already have something drafted?

1. An interest group within the AA that can help organize events at AA meetings.

2. An online presence.

I am happy to participate in both, but I no longer have the time or the energy to be an organizer of either. I earlier managed the Open Access Anthropology blog, website, and Google Group, but all are dorment now. I would be happy to hand over the keys to a new owner if such an organization is formed. Just let me know.

“Wouldn’t it make more sense to go beyond the AAA, and get anthropologists from other regions involved? What about joining forces with groups in the Open Anthropology Cooperative?”

I agree that it will be important to go beyond the AAA. I really like the idea of thinking about the interest group as a subset of a larger group/organization.

Also, good idea about looking for ways to join up with folks at the OAC.

”
1.Interest Groups may not publish journals, reviews or books.

2.Interest Groups may not issue advocacy statements, take advocacy positions on issues, or act contrary to the AAA Bylaws, though, as with any AAA subentity, they may make recommendations to the Executive Board.
”

You also have to be a AAA member to be a member of an IG, so I think any sort of larger organization would be impossible. It would be a good idea, though, to have active engagement with these other organizations. Part of this depends on what we see the role of the IG as – I see it as a group that will make recommendations to the AAA E Board and increase awareness and discussion of OA issues among anthropologists (you don’t have to be a member to visit the blog, right?).

Here’s the requirements to start an IG:
http://aaanet.org/sections/Info/ProtocolCreation.cfm

Also an OA focus would be a good component of a broader digital anthropology organization/movement.