RepGrid-Net is a computer-based message system that
integrates conventional electronic mail and bulletin board
facilities with repertory grid elicitation and analysis
facilities to provide both unstructured and structured
communications supporting the formation and operation
of special interest networks. Users see a mail system in
which special-interest networks are specifically
supported. The coordinators of such a network provide a
basic focus for it through statements of intent, topics and
issues which are handled on a bulletin board basis. They
also provide one or more kernel grids listing specific
topics and the concepts which they apply to them. These
kernel grids can be developed by others interested in the
groups, using the stated topics and concepts, and adding
to them. General similarities between grids are analyzed
to provide a socionet of people with common viewpoints,
and this may be used to access the mail system to
communicate with them. Detailed comparisons of
similarities and differences between viewpoints may be
made, and individual concept structures can be analyzed