Networking is a global phenomenon, a notion that has become clear not least since Time Magazine proclaimed the millions of Web 2.0 users sharing and creating knowledge on the internet as their Person of the Year in 2006. The use of networking platforms has doubled since the beginning of 2007. MySpace, Facebook, Orkut, Flickr, Neopets, hi5 – to name but a few – are riding on a wave of ever increasing popularity and opening new horizons in internet use. In fact, one in three internet users today are members of at least one community and have a profile, shared space, blog – or any other way of communicating a part of their life online – on a site somewhere in the World Wide Web. In the hyperconnected world, no corner of the world is remote: responsible knowledge sharing fosters sustainable development and cultural preservation throughout our planet.

And it’s not just an online phenomenon. Science and economy have recognized networking as a key element in career management and personal progress. From women’s career networks to the scout movement or global outreach by religious communities, networking is a tool that will let you expand your own horizons with a pool of contacts and a set of embedded resources to use in your private life, career, or business undertaking.

A combination of these impulses is what has lead to the creation of the Brainsbook on Networking: the aim is to compile, prepare and present relevant knowledge, ideas, experiences and tips on every aspect around networking. Unlike classic books, all Brainsbook users vote for what they think is relevant, clear or innovative – as the best contributions get selected for publication in the printed volume. The printed Brainsbook – in English and German – will be the world’s first democratic compilation, online and offline, of relevant skills and expertise on networking – “common knowledge” – on the topic of networking in all its aspects. Following in the steps of the knowledge revolution started by sites such as Wikipedia, the Brainsbook is marked by one key distinction from a Wiki: “Every user creates his own contribution, inspired by others, yet without their participation. The knowledge sharing takes part with individual contributions being reviewed by everyone; the exchange between users takes place in the community part of the Brainsbook website,” says Brainsbook initiator Selma Prodanovic. Selma is the Chief Networking Officer of the Vienna based Brainswork group which envisages 7 billion brains working together for sustainable progress.

Prominent networkers, scientists, authors and networkers from throughout the world have been invited to contribute with their own tips, visions and ideas, including bestselling author and BNI founder Ivan Misner, GroundReport.com CEO Rachel Sterne, Brazilian CNO Octavio Pitaluga or WIN Global Founder Chairwoman, Kristin Engvig. Now all internet users are invited to try their skills at authoring and critically reviewing knowledge on networking – and have their contribution published in a book changing the way we understand knowledge. www.brainsbook.com