Beyond Structured Settlements

S2KM Podcast Review - 1

This blog post highlights and summarizes S2KM's first six audio podcasts which can be subscribed to and are accessible from the upper left corner of S2KM's blog: "Beyond Structured Settlements". Future S2KM reviews will also highlight podcasts from other structured settlement podcast sites including Ringler Radio, The Settlement Channel and The Factoring Channel.

Truffle Media Networks - S2KM initiated its own podcast channel (S2KM Podcast Channel) June 10, 2007 in collaboration with Truffle Media Networks.  Ned Arthur of Truffle Media hosts S2KM's podcasts. During the past six weeks, S2KM and Truffle Media have begun to develop a collaborative public podcast library.  We intend to continue this collaboration throughout 2007.

Preliminary S2KM podcasts focus on these topics and people:

Participant introductions

• Ned Arthur - S2KM Podcast Tape 1 introduces S2KM Podcast host Ned Arthur and Ned's company, Truffle Media Networks. In Tape 1, Ned and Patrick Hindert, S2KM's Managing Director and blog editor, discuss Ned's background and provide an overview of Truffle Media Networks. They also discuss the application of podcasting to the following industries:
  • Structured settlements - including the primary and secondary United States markets
  • Personal injury settlement planning
  • Special needs planning
  • Secondary insurance markets for annuities and life insurance
• Barbara Bowen - S2KM Podcast Tape 4 introduces Dr. Barbara Bowen, Managing Director of Sound Knowledge Strategies. Barbara is a knowledge management (KM) expert who specializes in eliciting and visually representing tacit knowledge to achieve shared mental models. In Tape 4, Ned and Barbara discuss Barbara's educational and professional background and introduce concept maps. In subsequent S2KM podcasts, Barbara and Ned will discuss specific S2KM concept maps including "How does Web 2.0 Impact Lawyers".
• Joseph Dehner - S2KM Tape 5 introduces Joseph Dehner, a partner in the law firm Frost Brown Todd and co-author of "Structured Settlements and Periodic Payment Judgments". Ned and Joe discuss Joe's historical study of, and role within, the structured settlement industry beginning in 1977. Ned also elicits Joe's preliminary S2KM podcast analysis of structured settlement public policy. Joe will be providing additional podcast commentary about structured settlement public policy for S2KM during the next couple of weeks.

Supplemental S2KM reporting - The following S2KM podcasts supplement prior S2KM blog reporting:

• Special Needs Attorneys - In S2KM Podcast Tape 2, Ned and Patrick discuss the relationship between structured settlements and special needs attorneys. Related S2KM commentary and analysis includes:
  • Structured Settlement Law - a public wiki S2KM developed for a June 12, 2007 presentation to the Academy of Special Needs Planners.
  • Academy of Special Needs Planners - an S2KM blog post reviewing the Academy's March 2007 Annual Conference.
  • Inconvenient Questions - S2KM's three-part series about the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and its potential impact on structured settlements.
• Structured Settlement Mid-2007 Report - In S2KM Podcast Tape 3, Ned and Patrick identify and review important mid-2007 structured settlement industry developments as highlighted in a prior S2KM blog post. They also review June 2007 structured settlement newsletters from the law firms Drinker Biddle and Pullman & Comley.
• AAJ 2007 Annual Conference - In S2KM Podcast Tape 6, Ned and Patrick review the American Association for Justice (AAJ) 2007 Annual Meeting which occurred in July 2007. S2KM's blog coverage of the AAJ meeting included three posts. S2KM and Truffle Media will be publishing additional AAJ Conference podcast reviews in August featuring other structured settlement stakeholder attendees.

For additional information about podcasting, see S2KM's prior blog post "Introduction to Podcasting" which features an embedded concept map developed by Barbara Bowen.

Meeting Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez, a leading KM expert and blogger, is visiting Cincinnati this week. Denham Grey, S2KM’s KM teacher and a recognized KM leader himself, and I spent Sunday morning with Luis touring Cincinnati while discussing KM and Web 2.0.  Luis lives on grancanaria island, off the southern coast of Spain.  This week represents his first visit to Cincinnati.

Our automobile tour included a Suspension Bridge crossing into Kentucky, a look at the Ohio River from Mt. Adams, plus a drive through downtown Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati campus.

We enjoyed Over-the-Rhine (OTR) where we attended Second Sunday on Main and shared brunch at Vinyl with Melody Sawyer Richardson. Melody, who chairs Second Sunday on Main, provided a history of OTR and spoke optimistically about its future.

Although Denham and Luis have been communicating and sharing knowledge online for many years, Sunday was their first F2F meeting. As expected, our conversation focused on KM and Web 2.0 issues. Denham and Luis share core KM values and perspectives. They value people over technology and conversations more than organizing information.

Luis began our conversation with a summary of his career in KM and also highlighted some of his current work for IBM. Other KM and Web 2.0 topics discussed: 

• Mobile devices

• Social software

• Communities of practice

• Old vs. new KM

• KM’s impact on Web 2.0

• Learning challenges and strategies

• Mapping and visual communication

• Managing web feeds – Luis subscribes to more than 700!

Welcome Luis. Thank you for sharing your first day in Cincinnati with Denham and me.

Legal Blogs and Taxonomies

Ian Best, a third year law student at Moritz College of Law at the Ohio State University has developed a valuable blog for attorneys, judges and law students called “3L Epiphany”. One of the highlights is titled “A Taxonomy of Legal Blogs” which Best characterizes as “an online service to the legal profession”.

For additional information about “taxonomies”, including a concept map, see this post in the “Green Chameleon” weblog.

An important upcoming event featured on 3L Epiphany is a free, public forum titled “Bloggership: How Blogs are Transforming Legal Scholarship” April 28, 2006 sponsored by The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School.  The symposium events will take place in Ames Courtroom at the Harvard Law School and will include a live webcast.

Thank you to Denham Grey for keeping me updated on legal blogs, taxonomies,  concept maps, podcasts, wikis and knowledge management generally.

Concept Maps

What are concept maps? 

How do concept maps impact:

• Education generally?
• Specific knowledge-based industries such as law or structured settlement or personal injury settlement planning?

How do concept maps interact with other Web 2.0 tools such as podcasts, weblogs, wikis and Voip?

Robert R. Hoffman, Ph.D, a senior research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (ihmc), addressed the topic: “Applications of Concept Maps” at the University of Cincinnati's new Recreation Center on April 20, 2006.  The Rec Center is an exciting new addition to the UC campus and provided an outstanding venue for Dr. Hoffman's presentation..

Sponsored by UC's Center for Enhancement of Teaching & Learning, Dr. Hoffman:

• Summarized the theoretical and research foundations of concept maps:
• Provided guidance for building concept maps ; and
• Highlighted concept map examples involving education, knowledge management, problem solving and collaboration.

Dr. Hoffman is a Fellow of the American Psychological Society, recipient of a Fulbright Scholar Award, and an Honorary Fellow of The British Library, Eccles Center for American Studies. He received his BA, MA, and PhD in experimental psychology at the University of Cincinnati, where he also earned McMicken Scholar, Psi Chi, and Delta Tau Kappa Honors. He is currently a Senior Research Scientist at ihmc in Pensacola, FL.   

Dr. Hoffman has been recognized internationally for his research on human factors in technology for terrain analysis and weather forecasting, the psychology of expertise, the methodology of knowledge elicitation, and human factors issues in the design of workstation systems and knowledge-based systems.  Hoffman's most recent experiments have investigated novice and expert interpretation of aerial thermograms and meteorological satellite images. Another current project involves an effort to define the methodologies for human-centered computing and cognitive technologies.  Dr. Hoffman is an advocate of concept maps and an expert in their design and application.

Originally developed by Joseph D. Novak, concept mapping is defined in wikipedia as “a technique for visualizing the relationships between different concepts.  A concept map is a diagram showing the relationships in between concepts”.  wikipedia also identifies and describes specific applications for concept maps - many of which Dr. Hoffman featured in his presentation. Dr. Hoffman differentiated concept maps (aka cmaps) from other types of digital maps including mind maps and topic maps. One point of differentiation, according to Dr. Hoffman, is the importance of "linking phrases" in cmaps.

Most of Dr. Hoffman’s cmap examples utilized “CmapTools”, a free software tool developed and supported by ihmc.  ihmc is a not-for-profit research institute of the Florida University System based in Pensacola and affiliated with several Florida universities.  ihmc describes CmapTools as a “knowledge modeling kit” that “empowers users to construct, navigate, share, and criticize knowledge models represented as concept maps”.

Dr. Hoffman’s presentation highlighted a growing international interest in concept maps. According to Dr. Hoffman, cmaps are now being used in over 150 countries.  Among other countries, Dr. Hoffman cited Panama and Finland where educators are using cmaps as an "infrastructure framework".  The Second International Conference on Concept Mapping (CMC 2006) will take place September 5-8, 2006 in San Jose, Costa Rico. The First International Conference on Concept Mapping (CMC 2004) was held in Pamplona, Spain.

Additional examples of concept maps:

• ihmc's CmapTools documentation
•  Social Software - created by Barbara Bowen for Denham Grey
• Podcasting - created by Barbara Bowen for S2KM Limited

The Future of Structured Settlements

This weblog entry features four slides from a power point entitled “The Future of Structured Settlements" presented as the keynote address at the Managelsdorf Companies' Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ on January 12, 2006 by Patrick Hindert, S2KM’s Managing Director:

Thanks to T.V. Mangelsdorf and Dick Lewis for the invitation and presentation opportunity.  Thanks also to Keith Burtoft for developing the illustrations.

History Diagram - click on individual images to enlarge.

 

 

Transaction Diagram

Stage 3 Transition

Impact of the Internet

 

 S2KM's analysis of  “The Future of Structured Settlements” is a work in progress.  For earlier S2KM thinking about structured settlements, see: “New Basics for Structured Settlements” and “Understanding Structured Settlements” .

S2KM welcomes comments and will continue to update and improve these documents.

See also the most recent comments about structured settlements by Denham Grey on Denham's weblog: "Structured Settlements 3.0?"

As structured settlements become increasingly complex and important, new  knowledge leaders are needed to address priority industry issues. Contact S2KM for additional assistance in understanding structured settlements or in transitioning your structured settlement knowledge to the Internet.

Introduction to Podcasting

 This entry updates, summarizes and links prior S2KM weblog entries about podcasting.

The update includes a new S2KM power point (“Introduction to Podcasting”) presented at the NSSTA 2006 Winter Regional in collaboration with The Legal Broadcast Network (LBN).  The powerpoint features a concept map by Barbara Bowen.

Click on the image below to enlarge the concept map.

In addition to Barbara,  NSSTA, and LBN (Mark Wahlstrom and Ed Vogt), S2KM thanks  Denham Grey and  Keith Burtoft for their collaboration in developing the following materials:

S2KM Powerpoint (“Introduction to Podcasting”) Download NSSTA.ppt

 Podcasting wiki – by Denham Grey

LBN video podcast (requires Windows Media Player) – Mark Wahlstrom and Ed Vogt;

LBN podcast interview of Patrick Hindert - by Mark Wahlstrom;

The Settlement Channel - a leading provider of structured settlement (S2) podcast programing.

Ringler Radio - a second leading provider of S2 podcast programing.

eRadio - audio video engineers (including Ed Vogt) who specialize in S2 podcast programing.

Understanding Structured Settlements

(Re)learning resources about structured settlement from S2KM Limited :

• Post 9/11 Structured Settlements - understanding the New Basics for Stage 3 structured settlements.
• "Structured Settlements and Periodic Payment Judgments"
  • Introducing the authors and publisher;
  • Announcing Release 38;
  • Featuring updated Chapter 5: "Role and Responsibilities of Plaintiff Counsel in Structured Settlements".
• How the Internet impacts structured settlements including
  • Knowledge Management - with thanks to Denham Grey and Eric Tsui.
  • Social Network Technologies
  • Podcasting - with thanks to Mark Wahlstrom and Ed Vogt.
  • Concept Maps (Example: Podcasting) - with thanks to Barbara Bowen.
  • Standards
• IRC Section 5891 - How the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act impacts structured settlements 
  
  • Provides the Internal Revenue Code definition for structured settlement;
  • Authorizes state processes for completing structured settlement transfers;
  • Clarifies tax treatment of structured settlement transfers.
• Medicare Set-aside Arrangements - how the Medicare Secondary Payer rules are changing structured settlements and personal injury settlement planning.
• Compensation Disclosure - How the NAIC Model Compensation Disclosure requirements impact structured settlements.
• Settlement Trusts - How to select a trustee
• IRC 468B Funds - The single claimant issue
• Plaintiff Attorney Compensation - The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004
• Structured Settlement Trade Associations
  • National Structured Settlement Trade Association (NSSTA);
  • National Alliance of Medicare Set-aside Professionals (NAMSAP);
  • Society of Settlement Planners (SSP); 

Social Network Technologies

Denham Grey, a leading Knowledge Management (KM) thinker and practioner, takes on the KM lions in their own den when he moderates an online presentation this week for the "Star Series" sponsored by the Association of Knowledgework (AOK).

Entitled "Knowledge Sharing and Social Software", Denham's presentation includes a valuable and related wiki.  Among other resources, the wiki features a concept map of podcasting created by Barbara Bowen for S2KM Limited.

For additional background information about social network technologies, see Denham Grey's weblog, "Knowledge-at-work" as well as the following wikipedia entries:

• Community of practice

• Concept map

• Knowledge management

• Podcasting

• RSS

• Social bookmarking

• Social network

• Weblog

• Wiki

Plus additional information about:

• Podcasting
• Knowledge management and structured settlements.
• Membership in AOK.

Podcasting

Like millions of others, Patrick Hindert and Denham Grey are exploring podcasting - including how podcasting impacts the structured settlement and personal injury settlement planning industries as well as the legal profession generally. 

Our collaborative work includes:

• Testing podcast recording equipment designed by EAR for The Legal Broadcast Network;

• Developing a podcast concept map with Barbara Bowen;

• Introducing podcasting at NSSTA's Regional Meeting  - with assistance from Viren Patel of Structure Online and Keith Burtoft of Markers and Mice.
• Organizing a wiki repository for LBN about podcasting.

Related resources:

• LBN's Podcasting Audio Video - requires Windows Media Player
• Podcast interview of Patrick Hindert by Mark Wahlstrom;

• NSSTA powerpoint presentation - Download Podcasting.ppt

• A wiki repository with resource links;
• Barbara Bowen's concept map;

• Denham Grey weblog: podcasting for knowledge
• Denham Grey weblog: more on podcasting
• Ringler Radio

Lilia Efimova Blogging Seminar

     The Tri-State Knowledge Management Association issued the following press release on January 10, 2005:

Blogging Seminar and Workshop to Feature Lilia Efimova

· International Expert to Speak at The METS Center

· Program Targets Tri-State Knowledge Workers

· Personal and Business Applications Featured

     Cincinnati, Ohio – January 10, 2005: Lilia Efimova, an internationally-acclaimed online learning and blogging expert, will conduct a blogging seminar at The METS Center in Northern Kentucky from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on January 20, 2005.  Networking and a continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 am.

     Sponsored by the Tri-State Knowledge Management Association, the seminar is designed for knowledge workers interested in blogging including learning and HR specialists, attorneys, journalists, marketing and public relations professionals and consultants. 

     Efimova will discuss the rationale and start-up process for blogging as well as the related tools, technologies, best practices and business applications. The seminar will also address more advanced issues such as RSS, backtrack, blog-specific search engines, social bookmarks, blogviews, blogs and personal knowledge management and emergent blog communities.

     The cost of the seminar is $35 per person. Attendees may register in advance online or by contacting Linda Bickel by telephone (859 647-6387) or email (linda.bickel@useMETS.org).

     Born and educated in Russia, Efimova resides in the Netherlands where she conducts research about learning and knowledge management at Telematica Instituut. Efimova also authors Mathemagenic, an award-winning blog. During her current visit to the United States, Efimova is participating in a series of seminars and workshops about blogs and blogging.

     Blogs, also called weblogs, are an inexpensive and easy method to publish on the Internet. Blogs generally serve as personal or collaborative online journals and contain frequent entries organized in reverse chronological order. Blogs have many applications including reporting, publishing, learning, marketing and networking. The underlying blog technologies facilitate syndication and subscription to other blogs. The process of updating a blog is referred to as “blogging”. The person who writes and maintains a blog is called a “blogger”. Collectively, the online blogging community is known as the “blogosphere”.

     Recently social software, which includes blogging, has caught the attention of the popular and business press with articles in the New York Times, Forbes, Fortune and Financial Times. Major Internet players such as Google and Microsoft have started to enter the blogging field and venture capitalists are funding software projects. According to a new report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, blog readership grew 58% in 2004 and now stands at 27% of Internet users.

      The Tri-State Knowledge Management Association is a non-profit organization that provides collaborative KM learning opportunities for knowledge professionals in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Association meetings, seminars and workshops take place at The METS Center located near the Greater Cincinnati International Airport. Affiliated with Northern Kentucky University, The METS Center features advanced learning technologies. For additional information about the Tri-State Knowledge Management Association , contact Patrick Hindert (Patrick@s2km.com).