The Virtual is Real

Just took an online survey for this conference on Virtual Communities. What struck me was the assumption that virtual communities are supplementary to non-virtual communities.
Perhaps this is the old bbs/usenet model, where people gather online to explore new identities; the 20th century equivalent of leaving the small town for New York or Chicago.
But my experience these days is different.
I work with a team that’s spread around the US, working with customers spread around the world. We meet a few times a year. EFF-Austin people communicate daily by email, and interact in person a few times a month. I belong to a book club that meets monthly, and plans using email and wiki.
There is no such thing as a “virtual community.” There are only real communities that meet more or less frequently in person.

11 thoughts on “The Virtual is Real”

  1. Welcome… to the “real” world

    There is no such thing as a “virtual community.” There are only real communities that meet more or less frequently in person. [BookBlog]Adina is spot on — this artificial distinction between “real” and “virtual&#8221…

  2. Virtual Communities

    From BookBlog There is no such thing as a “virtual community.” There are only real communities that meet more or less frequently in person. Rick observes that “community is defined by its affiliations, not by its mode of meeting.&#822…

  3. Virtual Communities

    From BookBlog There is no such thing as a “virtual community.” There are only real communities that meet more or less frequently in person. Rick observes that “community is defined by its affiliations, not by its mode of meeting.&#822…

  4. Quote of the Day (Virtual Communities)

    Adina Levin: “There is no such thing as a ‘virtual community.’ There are only real communities that meet more or less frequently in person.” (Via Flemming Funch)…

  5. Quote of the Day (Virtual Communities)

    Adina Levin: “There is no such thing as a ‘virtual community.’ There are only real communities that meet more or less frequently in person.” So wahr. (Via Flemming Funch)…

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