-The peg communities described in Bell and Bauman’s notions of virtual communities are interesting opinions when considering the meaning of just that. “Sites where people can hang their interests or obsessions, their enthusiasms or worries, and around which they can - or might - try to build up something collective, albeit instrumentally and ephemerally”. (Bell p.257) In my opinion, I agree with their statements. People can use these communities to discuss with others to voice opinions with fellow members and similar attitudes. When a collection of thought can manifest itself into a group, it becomes a collective notion, forming a community of similar beliefs. The emergence of this can generate a protest of thoughts and opinions that could inevitably cause a persuasion of others opinions. This is a positive setting, instead of critical messages; everyone seems to have the same general opinion of someone or something, causing positive generalizations, virtually.
This virtual setting allows people to express themselves with zero judgment from friends and families. Having a virtual community allows us to be our own person without fear. Many people can be much more confident expressing beliefs and opinions with the use of a messaging system like AIM, texting, and facebook chat because virtual communication does not require face to face interaction that makes up for almost all the embarrassment and shy attributes of a conversation. Everyone in our DTC class has a personal opinion on each and every subject we discuss; many just choose to listen for numerous reasons. If everyone was allowed to post an anonymous message in response to each discussion, I’m sure everyone would be much more involved.
-For my selection of three online communities of the same type for assignment two would be the comparisons and similarities between Fantasy Football and the makeup within these internet gaming sites. Millions of people are now using the realm of fantasy sports to further interact with their favorite sports and players. A few of these sites include;
1.
2.
3.
To follow.
-The strategies of these sites are almost polar opposites of one another. At this time in our sports seasons, football is the most talked about and popular choice to follow and get involved with.
Bell, David. The Cybercultures Reader. 2nd. 1. New York, NY: Routledge, 2000. 254-63. Print.
Okay--ya gotta help me understand what you mean when you agree with Bauman and Bell and peg communities because both seem to be saying different things. For one the connotation is that peg communities are superficial. For the other the connotation is deep or thoughtful. I guess I want to know do you agree with both (are you ambivalent)?
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