What is Online Community??

The widespread availability of the internet allows anyone with internet access, to join and participate in the thousands of online communities existing today. When you reflect on this for any length of time (and your reflection has been aided by several well selected thought provoking course readings!) you again realise just how potent and mighty the internet is! (You can imagine the most geographically isolated or socially disadvantaged person - there you are – have computer – have modem - knock yourself out!) I think any individual who has already experienced some form of online community has - forever after - altered expectations and experiences of all future participation in groups or communities albeit face-to-face or online.

If membership to a community is not through participation online then an individual is most likely to join a traditional form of group such as a community, sporting or cultural club or association to fulfill the human need for social contact with other humans, however, especially in a traditional context these groups can prevent sectors of a community from participating based on race, gender, age, socio-economic status, education, marital status, sexual orientation, and religion, to name just a few because, as highlighted by the Stephen Downes groups are essentially closed, with boundaries existing between members and non-members, and are therefore exclusive, – this can occur to a much lesser degree online……however essentially the aim of online communities is the formation of what Downes described as networks – essentially the opposite of a group - as the aim is to promote inclusion through open membership, and the sharing of knowledge and resources.

The breaking down of barriers and boundaries to participation in community is echoed in ‘An anthropological introduction to YouTube’ by Michael Wesch which highlights the fact that all age demographics are well represented on YouTube, and that many traditional barriers to inclusion and participation in a group do not necessarily apply - as to some extent we become anonymous. Issues surrounding the digital divide obviously still exist as access to a web-cam, the internet and computers is a necessary prerequisite to participation.

At a time when many traditional symbols of community are disappearing for example; the local post shop and corner dairy, social networking sites such as YouTube provide us with new ways to experience community, a sense of self and of belonging.

Below is my current list of features that I would look for when identifying an online community. I am sure as this course progresses I will be adding to this list extensively!

• A shared interest, purpose, goal, objective...... although the level of commitment, passion and motivation possessed by individual members will vary.
• Will display a high level of online courtesy and respect (Netiquette) , with little or no incidents of flaming.
  
• Openness, willingness to share and spread knowledge, experience, insight e.t.c
• Display a level of camaraderie, humour, emotional/moral support, concern for the well-being of members.
• Sharing knowledge and resources, expertise.
  

Look forward to your comments :)