Wellman, B., & Gulia, M. (1999). Net Surfers Don't Ride Alone: Virtual Communities as Communities. In P. Kollock, & M. Smith (Eds.), Communities and Cyberspace. New York: Routledge.
Observation #1
The readings so far seem to be focused on the argument over the definition of what a community is. That is to say, they're against the view that a community based exclusively online cannot be a 'real' community. While I agree with their stand, I see the argument as fruitless; those who have the non-real view are unlikely to revise it, and these articles feel like a big defensive justification.The only part of the original community meaning that I can see doesn't apply to an online community is the physicality. I'm not necessarily sure that was part of the original definition, but it possibly been implied. So, I went to the Oxford Dictionary. While some of the entries referred to the physical location of a group of people (communal living, living in one place), many didn't. Others include: 'viewing things collectively', 'generality of people as a group' (used as early as 1395), 'a body of people having common or equal rights or rank', 'a body of people leading a communal life according to a religious rule' (society or body), cluster, 'nationality, race, religion, sexuality,...", "share the same interests, pursuits, or occupation..."
So, prior the internet the term used by the masses could really only be applied to those in a particular location because physically it was difficult to form a community otherwise.
"community, n.". OED Online. December 2012. Oxford University Press. http://www.oed.com.proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/view/Entry/37337?redirectedFrom=community& (accessed March 10, 2013)
Observation #2
Sort of related to the above, the foundation or parameters of a community can change from group to group.
So, I've decided I don't like the term 'virtual community'. There is nothing 'virtual' about it; it is a community of some sort.
