Last year, when I answered this prompt, I gave a bare sentence or two to the non-traditional community. By this I mean “community” that is not rooted in the traditional geographical place. That localized entity was the predominant way of describing a community as a type of social organization. But things are changing. With the internet, people are using the old term to describe a new thing, such as community.
A New Model
No geographic boundaries, no “face-to-face” interactions. In fact, we wouldn’t necessarily recognize peer members of these sorts of communities if we passed them in the street. These days, I rarely dip into any of the formal literature on anthropology. But I know that some practitioners reject the word community entirely when discussing that type of social interaction. But the opinion of the “experts” is not likely to stop how people use the word. And as an observer of people, but no longer tied to academia, I may have a bit more tolerance for the new, while appreciating the old.
As a member of the WordPress blogosphere for about eight years, I’ve noticed the sort of concern bloggers have for reaching others, their reliance on groups, and their acting in common. I’d maintain that using the term community is no anomalous thing. Our membership here is voluntary, based on mutual respect, like, and common interest. This may not be your great-grandfather’s community, but there’s something about it that suggests community.
Question?
Now I am an anthropologist. Even if I no longer practice or work at it. As a group we observe, and sometimes annoy people with all our questions. So here is a question for you: What do you think about the WordPress and other blogging platforms as community? Would you use another term? Why? Or is Lou just totally off base on this one…operators are standing by!
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I definitely think of blogging as my community. There are more people I talk to daily here than in the town where I live.
I’m the same way, five words to a neighbor, and a torrent here on WP.
I think there is a sense of community in the blogging world here on WordPress. Part of being a community is showing interest in others and care for others, and I’d say that is found here.
I agree!
We joke with each other and tease one another. We have our dogs/cats responding to posts…definitely a community here. A great one, too.
Lois, you may be familiar with Louis Catorse, the cat in England? Well, the other night, the blog post had a clip of him screaming. Marcus was sitting right by me and was watching and listening to him. It’s their community too.
I love that, Lou. Yup. We are in inclusive community.
This is actually something I’ve thought about a bit, especially lately. I’ve had a WP blog for about 13 years and other blogs before that.
There was definitely a community in WP in the early days. People read more “long form.” I saw more personal posts.
Blogging is dying. I don’t think the community as it was is still here.
Years ago, a bunch of us compared our “stats” and did an informal guesstimate of actual readers to followers. It was something like 1 actual follower (as judged by likes and comments) to 20 silent, one-time wonders. I think the 1:20 is probably low now. I also suspect those that actually pause to put “likes” are more skimmers than readers. With short format social media, it would seem “ain’t no one got time for that.”
Those ARE generalizations. They were then and are now.
HOWEVER, before I get the Buzz Kill Award, there are areas where I see the community. There are definitely groups that form along certain long-standing prompts. I think other long-time bloggers have retained their community IF they didn’t do what I do, and that is shut down their blogs for large periods of time. That definitely affected my community.
Even without the old-time community feel, I still prefer blogging and bloggers to Facebook and other social media. I hate 90% of the comments in those places, whereas I love 99% of blog comments.
I’m an INTP, and our mantra is, “It depends.” I find myself smiling at that because blogging “community” yes or no? “It depends.”
Laura, thanks for a unique response to the question. The historical perspective you’ve added is greatly respected.
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of some of the other social media. To me, Facebook is full of folks checking boxes, reposting non-original material, or just voting present.
Let me ask my femur. Ok, just what I thought. It’s very wise now that it’s been broken and healed. It says, “Well, Sweet Cheeks, 2/3 of the bill for caring for Bear and Teddy was picked up by online friends, most of them you know only here, on WordPress.” It’s true. The GoFundMe on Facebook paid another third — and many contributors were people I may not have seen since high school.
There are other aspects to community, of course, but in my opinion the Internet has enlarged the potential for building community. No tool is any better than its user. In the form of my calendar, my paintings hang in many peoples’ houses — people I’ve never met. I had the privilege of illustrating a book for a woman in Wyoming I met on WordPress. I think our idea of “real life” needs to expand to reflect, uh, reality.
Your comment reminded me that I wanted to mention how much I’ve loved the calendar! Looking up the date has been a much pleasanter thing this year. I hope you’ll consider another.
I’m very happy you enjoy it. I love putting them together. I have a painting started, but Covid kind of put the kybosh on painting for now. BUT I’ve started one for next year. 😊
P.S. The math in my initial comment is a little strange. But my brain hurts. 😀
I remember that from when I had Covid. It really stinks.
Yes it does. The only time I could have gotten it was when I took Bear to the vet. I think that trip was worth this, but yeah it’s not fun.
You already know how much I write about our WordPress Street community. I spend more time here than anywhere else… hugs
It seems that lots agree it is a community.
I still think it’s as difficult a community to break into as an ‘in the real world’ community is, but I am so grateful to those who make an effort and I enjoy the interactions we have going.
Your point is well taken – effort. Participation is a defining characteristic for membership!