Groups and Alliances and Coalitions...Oh My!

Whenever the issue concerning groups is posed to the entire class for comment, I feel as though we go 'round and 'round like dogs chasing our tails only to find out that at the end of the discussion we have neither caught the tail nor really discovered why we were chasing it in the first place. The quick success of the first group prompted many within the class to clamor for "groups all around" (not drinks for once). This led to an immediate separation between those who were eager for groups, those who absolutely hated the idea, and those trapped somewhere in the middle. The addition of more variables to the 'group conundrum' such as the distinction between basic course curriculum vs. final project and cohesive group (with singular blog) vs. loosely allied coalition made the issue that much broader and more difficult. From the conversation that arose from our forced groups from last class I have managed to distill the numerous possibilities to a few choice scenarios for group organization:

1. Cohesive group with 1 blog that everyone has access to where individual blogs are relinquished for the greater cause. (Just as the first group.)
2. Closely-knit group where personal blogs are obtained but access to group blog is available as well. 
3. Loosely arranged coalition where members have a "group blog" that is utilized in the same manor as Location F8, as a sounding board and general forum but all input is done via individual blogs. 
4. Tightly associated group of people who have no intention of working with other people.
   

These potential organizational designs would then have to be paired with one of the many various choices for content:

1. Daily work. Comment on class readings, class discussion, etc. Boring.
2. Daily work and some focused readings based on previously discussed topics of interest.
3. Daily work that is completely targeted to designated interest.
4. Final project only. May or may not be on previously discussed topics.
5. Final project and everything else. Spend the entire semester with small group. Yay?

So now all there is left to do is to come up with some winning combination. However, unlike the real lottery, the odds are better if you do play.