Issue 2: Virtual Communities (20 Nov. 1997)
Introduction to Virtual Communities Research and Cybersociology Magazine Issue Two By: Robin Hamman. Any sociological study should begin with an investigation of the terms which will be used. In this brief introduction, you will find a useful definition of the term "community", a discussion of what Ray Oldenburg's "Third Place" , and some final notes on virtual community. There are also links to three useful annotated bibliographies of articles and books about virtual communities.
Seniors and the Internet By: Joyce Philbeck, East Carolina University, Dept. of Sociology. This is the first article I've seen which investigates the use of the Internet by senior citizens and retired persons. Using a complimentary mixture of qualitative and quantitative cybersociological methods, Joyce makes some interesting observations about this seldom studied group of Internet users.
IRC on AustNet - an example of a virtual community By: Cyberrdewd. This essay takes a brief look at the AustNet (based in Australia) IRC network. Cyberrdewd demonstrates that can indeed be observed in chat rooms. This article concludes with a few informed speculations regarding the future of digital communities.
QUAKE-ING IN MY BOOTS:
Special Feature: British Universities offering courses on cyberspace Compiled By: Robin Hamman. After getting a late start (compared to North America) on the study of virtual communities and cyberspace, universities in the United Kingdom are coming on strong with at least 6 offering courses on cyberspace. This feature will be updated if further submissions come in so if you are looking for a place for post-graduate study in the UK starting next year check this spot again. Universities are invited to email Robin with further submissions.
This issue included reviews to electric minds and High Noon on the Electric Frontier.
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