Wienberger and Rheingold–similar?

One of the questions associated with the assigned readings was in reference to Weinberger and similarities associated with Rheingold or Seabrook. In the chapter entitled Togetherness by Weinberger differences are stated between the real world and web groups. I see thinking along the lines of Seabrook from Weinberger in regards to the issue of acceptance. Weinberger explains the often difficult or time consuming task of becoming a member in a real world group. Things such as paperwork can become a pain. Weinberger then spoke of the ease of joining a web group or community. On the web, one just has to be interested to be accepted. The concept of lurking is even spoken of and claimed to be a good way for “newbies” to get acquainted with a group. This seems to promote an air of togetherness and ease associated with online communities. Seabrook lurked and was called out on it. He was hazed by group members. Seabrook’s acceptance into a web group was not easy and was not solely based on being interested. Seabrook was interested, he just had to be somewhat hazed to be respected; a topic that Rheingold and Weinberger are hesitant to mention.

Professor Matei mentioned that our class project would be of a Web 2.0 nature. This blog comments on the often difficult task of defining this concept. Also, the Wikipedia definition for Web 2.0 can be found here.