Strong online communities

[Jenny Whittemore Fremlin]

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking here since the community started and really enjoy reading the discussions. I am a media psychology student researching the presence of sense of community in online communities. In my research I'd like to include communities that have reputations for varying levels of community, and I was wondering if anyone could suggest some (online) communities known for the bonds developed between members. I'd love to hear your input, thanks in advance!

Jenny

[Jill Biddington]

Hi Jenny,

I am the on line community manager for www.bigwhitewall.com which is a website for emotional health. The web site won the Guardian's 2009 Mega Award for community engagement. The web site is located in London but I am an Australian based member of the team. I am just not sure if you are looking for communities which are local to you in the USA or not. If you want more information, please send me a message.

Jill

[John Norris]

Hello Jenny-

If you are interested in exploring some of the heathcare support communities in Second Life, I'd be happy to help you out.

A couple of thoughts- I am not sure what sort of research methodologies you are wanting to use. Much of the group tools in Second Life allow for synchronous communication, but they do not leave much of a 'trail' for research. However Sl does allow for some nice opportunities for interviews.

Feel free to drop me a line-

John