Technical Description Six

Tutorial Six: The internet and online communities

Either search online for a community which interest you or choose one of the provided online communities to investigate. Make sure your selected a community that comprises some form of online forum, discussion page or chat room. You may also wish to see if your community has a Wikipedia entry.

Provide the web address and the name of the community you are investigating www.bookcrossing.com Book Crossing

What is the brief or focus of this community A place people all over the world to share their love of books. Books are passed between people via the 'dropping' of books at certain places out in the community - gym, coffee shop etc. Specific 'dropping' zones can be created to aid this. Those signed up to book crossing and are able to participate in the experience of reading and passing on books that are registered. For 'those who love books and those who love sharing'.

What services are provided? How interactive is this site? How can people contribute? On-line discussion forums, email discussion groups, option to create a 'book crossing zone', search for books, register books, publishing tools for authors

Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on why people choose to contribute to this community. What is it they are seeking? Those who have a passion for books can experience a form of social interaction within a context they are specifically interested in, they can form friends with the same interests, and it provides anticipated reciprocity for these people wanting to have an occupation for them to interact within. It gives a sense of community and efficacy, a sense of involvement and participation in a form of society, and is a source from which to learn and have access to books and discussion.

Cut and paste an example of the type of topics being discussed (you may have to provide a context to your excerpt). Looking for info on "Mr. Darcy" books... I'd like to get one of these books for a friend who's a big fan of Jane Austen. She's read all of Austen's books and I think she'd enjoy reading some of the "continuing" books. I haven't read any of them and know nothing about them, so I'm asking for your help! On Amazon I see several authors and what looks like several series of books- which one(s) would you recommend and why? How important is it that she read them in order? I will be mailing overseas so size of the book is a consideration, though it's not terribly important. Thank you!

Considering material presented during the course and make comment on the potential ethical issues that may arise in this community e.g. lack of identity and accountability. The 'on-line' identity means that people can never be sure of who they are interacting with, or have the ability to trust others completely. Validity in general of any information being shared is an issue. Misuse of the service is easy, and there may be no way of 'policing' behaviour. Who sustains and manages the community can be, in itself, an ethical issue. Confidentiality or privacy issues, due to need to relay personal details on occasions

Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on the benefits this community holds over traditional notions of community e.g. communities reliant on geographic proximity Because there is a greater array of members eg. all over the world, the community contains a vast amount of info, input etc. Can 'meet' more often, regularly, with ease, instantly in fact as well as being able to address a lot of people at the same time. It is easy to connect with people of similar interests, needs, and concerns, which in turn fosters understanding and unity. It is a free service, generally, and one can involve themselves to whatever extent they want, when they want. When they do, it then allows for equality of voice and persona.

Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment what this community lacks or can not provide which traditional communities can. Not everybody has access or knowledge to use technology, therefore those without this ability are unable to be involved in this community. Technology compatibility also poses a problem, and involvement in traditional communities would not suffer the consequences of this problem. Involvement has the potential to create for the users a delusional reliance on the ideal of 'virtual communities', with the lack of direct social interaction which characterises it.