From Book to Platform: Reimagining the Futures Dictionary Online

Projects
1

Background
The Futures Dictionary has served as one of The Millennium Project’s signature reference works for more than a decade. Since 2016, we’ve sold roughly 70 copies ($3,500 total) — about one-third of them in just the past two years, likely due to renewed interest from our FRM 4.0 and AI-related projects.

That pattern suggests something important: the content still matters, but the printed format no longer fits how people learn, search, and share knowledge.

Proposal

Instead of a new print edition, I would like to explore how to make a possible Futures Dictionary 3.0 primarily a digital resource — interactive, searchable, and connected to other TMP platforms (GFIP, FRM 4.0, Real-Time Delphi).

Possible directions under discussion:

  1. Open Reference Hub: freely accessible online dictionary with search and cross-links to FRM 4.0 methods.

  2. Members-Only Perk: full access for registered Discourse users or TMP newsletter subscribers.

  3. Hybrid Model: public preview of key terms, with advanced search and downloadable content for members or partners.

  4. Interactive “Futures Terms Explorer”: searchable cards, related-method links, and optional Pol.is or mini-Delphi modules beside definitions for community feedback.

Each approach could make the dictionary a living, evolving reference rather than a static PDF.

Questions for the Community

  1. What digital format would make the dictionary most useful for you (and your students, colleagues, or organizations)?

  2. Should access be completely open, or should we reserve advanced features as paid content, or perhaps as incentives to participate in Pol.is surveys or RTDs?

  3. What features would add the most value: keyword search, FRM cross-links, multilingual toggling, or interactive commenting?

  4. How might your Node (or others) contribute entries, translations, or ongoing curation?

Quick Input

I’ve created a short Pol.is survey to gauge sentiment on these options.

Next Steps

After two weeks of discussion and Pol.is feedback, I’ll summarize preferred models and draft a low-cost implementation plan to present to the Board.

Your ideas will directly shape how TMP shares its foresight vocabulary with the world.
Please add your comments: What would make Futures Dictionary 3.0 a truly global, living resource?

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