Re: What is a "Community"?

Danny Yee (danny@STAFF.CS.SU.OZ.AU)
Mon, 6 Feb 1995 14:16:33 +1000

John McCreery relayed:
> > Basically, a group I'm working with is interested in finding
> > out more about "communities". How they are formed, become stronger,
> > communicate, interact, what range of human needs various communities
> > meet, and the range of communities that exist...In order to consider
> > how they might be supported by innovative technologies. It's
> > all pretty vague and long-term....
> > One more specific interest is on totally online communities...
> > like MUDs/MOOs...but also aol, Sierra Online, the WELL, Prodigy,
> > bulletin boards, IRC, SeniorNet, etc...Is there some well-known way
> > to categorize communities "in real life" that might be useful in
> > categorizing the kinds of communities that exist online? Or the kinds
> > of activities, social behaviors involved, or the kind of affiliation
> > needs met, or....the kind of support they might need, or...something?

I'm working on it! I have a half written paper which attempts
a categorization of internet communities. I'll send copies to
individuals who are interested, but it's too rough for public release.

Danny Yee.