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Community Networks and Websites?

Posted by michael on from the potluck dept.

brendano writes "I've been doing some research into the fascinating world of community networks and websites -- online places that can inform and connect people of a real-life community. They typically provide news, discussion forums, and email for local residents. There are some quite successful ones (such as the nonprofit Seattle Community Network or the Blacksburg Electronic Village), but also also ghost town-like failures that show how hard it is to get a community network/website rolling. In addition, many struggle with questions of how to get funding; whether they can be for-profit while serving the community, or be non-profit with enough money to keep going. Unlike the wireless community networks we hear about so much, these types of community networks go beyond just internet access and try to provide access to the community itself. Some, even, are being done to help build up disenfranchised communities, such as one in a housing project, or the three of HP's Digital Village project (one of whose projects I'm researching for.) I was wondering if members of the Slashdot community know of more examples of community networks, and what people think of these projects. Can real-life communities succeed in the online environment as well? How so?"

1 of 155 comments (clear)

  1. Matching the site to the community by GNUCyberKat · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Having read all the (on topic) posts on this topic I find myself wanting to describe the website I am building for my community. I live in a co-operative housing community of approximately 180 residences in the middle of a large city. Currently there is no online presence for the community other than a single page advertising its existence on its parent associations website.

    The people who live in the community come from all walks of life and embrace most age groups, religious backgrounds, levels of financial stability, etc. However, having talked to a large number of them, I have come to an understanding of some of the general functions and premises that would build a great community website.

    First is universal access. A website doesn't do a community any good if there are some who cannot (not to read will not) gain access to it. Currently there is a single computer and dial up internet connection at the main office available for public use. After talking with the board of directors for the co-operative, they have agreed that if I could get enough interest and show sufficient progress and early participation from community members that they would be willing to purchase three additional computers and install high speed internet...its a start. (Note: about 78% of the residences in my community have Internet connected computers).

    Of the things that I have discovered that are most desired are:

    1. A community schedule of events
    2. An online copy of the co-operatives manuals
    3. A set of community chat boards
    4. A news board for non co-operative sponsored happenings
    5. An online booking resource for the co-operative's public maintenance and groundscare equipment
    6. A community for sale / wanted board
    7. A babysitting service listing / opportunities
    8. A personalized reminder / scheduling system for those community members who have tasks assigned
    9. A place for people to publish their thoughts, ideas, suggestions, comments, etc...(moderated of course)
    10. A place where some of the more creative souls in the community could write the occaisonal column or review for their friends to read
    11. A listing of all the public facilities with up to date descriptions and comments on availability
    12. A birthday / anniversary board
    13. A listing of all the businesses in the area such as stores, restaurants, etc. where the members can post reviews, critiques,etc.
    14. A member listing
    15. A security and advisory alert
    16. Links to other pertinent and community-useful sites on the internet.
    17. Personal pages for some of the members

    There really isn't much else that the community has currently expressed interest in so I won't try to include anything that isn't needed yet. As the title to my comment notes, you have to target the community with the website.

    These are just suggestions that have come my way. I plan to implement them in stages as time and resources permit. Currently I have just the basic foundations laid out so this is quite a timely discussion for me.

    As for the site, I have a service plan through my service provider that has a static IP and a domain name...I will be offering it to the community as part of my contribution as a member of the co-operative.

    I will be making every available attempt to make the site fast, easy to use, and personable for as many people as I can. You cannot usually please everyone, but if I can get most of them then we're laughing. Who knows, if this takes off, I might box it up and offer the basics to other co-operatives to use...anyways, thanks for letting me share my thoughts.