One of the best ways to develop a concept is to look at several actual examples and then draw out the defining elements. The following activity asks you to do just this by exploring three online communities formed around Email lists. Although these examples happen to have a Web site to support their communities, it should not be assumed that a Web is a required aspect of online communities.

While looking at each link, type in notes or copy / paste text or examples into the small field beneath each link. Look for examples, anecdotes, references, quotations, etc. anything that makes you respond to the topic, the list, or some aspect of the community. This raw material will help you answer the key question:

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