Seattle Sonics On-Line Communities

Seattle Sonics On-Line Communities

My first thoughts and reactions to on-line communities are I'm not interested; only people who are true technology enthusiasts use on-line communities; and on-line communities are used primarily for entertainment. Obviously my relationship with on-line communities is apparent - I really have not had much experience. I use email to keep in touch with family and friends and my experiences using DaMoo in this English class certainly qualify for experience, but I know that researching NBA basketball on-line communities will begin to demonstrate to me what is available.

My initial assumptions and imaginations about on-line communities are formed by personal preferences in how I choose to communicate, limited knowledge and understanding, and most significantly limited experiences. I use email to communicate for a variety of purposes. I will send a brief message to somebody I intend to call or write a letter to very soon to let them know I am thinking about them. I also use email to send information that would be more beneficial to see in text than hear as a voice message such as emailing a student in any of my classes at CSUN about an upcoming assignment. However, email is not my first choice of communication. For example, I just received an email from a friend of mine in Oregon who I have not heard from in many months. She sent me a lengthy and involved email about what has been happening with her and her family. As I was beginning to email her back I stopped to instead write her a letter. Using a chosen note card and handwriting a letter conveyed a more personal approach to the correspondence. Of course, I email many people often, but there are instances where I feel that communicating via email is not as personal and thoughtful.

Although I do suggest that I lack much experience with on-line communities, the work I have been doing in this English 305 class with DaMoo has begun to alter my feelings of dissociation with on-line communities. I can not continue to have the preconception that on-line communities are used primarily for entertainment unless I consider talking on-line about a web article with Michael Day's class solely entertaining. Simply being able to discuss readings, work, and ideas with students and teachers who are in Illinois while I am in a California classroom is both fascinating and helpful.