RE: How do I get an offline community online?

Good points, jsalmons about purpose and "carrots"! Here?s a bit of expansion on that theme.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>The specific organizations who chimed in to begin this thread both include some element of "support group" - and that's a place where an interest/issue-centered online community can offer both compelling purpose and carrots ... or chocolate chip cookies, even. ;-)<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>Keep these gut-connecting online community benefits in mind:<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>- the "anonymity" factor: message boards, e-mail discussions and chat all offer a relatively "anonymous" (and therefore safe) place where people often feel free to talk about problems and "thorny" issues far more openly than they?re comfortable doing face-to-face.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>- the "bathrobe" factor: people can connect to fit their own schedule, and without having to get "presentable" first, find a babysitter, put gas in the car, etc. (I won't ask for a show of hands from all of you who are reading this in your jammies! ;-)<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>- the "odd duck" factor: finding like-minded others can be a huge hurdle, particularly for those who are isolated geographically, ?out of step? with the dominant culture in their locale, or in a non-traditional career path (such as women in tech jobs). It can be much easier to find people online than off who share our out of step viewpoint or ?hot button.? In my experience with running an online multi-faith community, being able to find and connect quickly with ?kindred spirits? is a *huge* draw for many.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>- the ?invisibility? factor: I suspect we underestimate the number of people who feel they have two strikes against them in dirtspace because of visible characteristics such as age, weight, race, the way they look, or a disability. Online, people have the chance to participate based on the qualitiy of their ideas and caring, not on having to get around the instant reactions they have to cope with in person. Online participants get to *choose* when - or even if - to reveal these personal details, and that can be incredibly liberating and empowering.