So. What did I learn? This mostly confirmed what I’ve read from non-mainstream sources about the Occupy movement. The media is all about conflict. The actual movement is about discussion — and about getting more shelves for the camp library. I entirely sympathize with what they’re trying to do. I’m not gregarious enough to really join in. As a process geek, I’m quite interested in how they do their non-hierarchical / emergent order organization. I’m impressed by how well a few simple customs (like the “mic check”) serve to keep things focused and orderly. I really want to come and watch their “general assembly” consensus-making process, but I’m thinking I’ll defer that to a later visit to Des Moines. I feel like programming tomorrow.