Also, my new rule of the internet:

[glowingfish]

"Does this content or interaction in anyway contribute to a real sense of community?"

Basically, I realized that some internet interactions, however tenuously, are related to a real sense of community. That doesn't mean the community ever has to happen in the real world (although many times it can lead to that), but that the content or interaction or whatever will somehow foster or develop a real sense of shared values or interests. As opposed to being just stimulation meant to get people through 5 more minutes, even if that is by making them feel enraged.

That is one reason I signed off of Facebook a few weeks ago, and have been posting here. I think, however indirectly it might be, that this place does have a real sense of community.

Comments

[babs_bee]

This is very good food for thought on my part. I think, more than ever, we need community. Knowing people are there for you and you are there for them makes the world a better place.

[glowingfish]

Although I don't know what "community" really means. I just know when something is not it!