In order for us to ask our questions and get answers, we have to obey some rules of verbal communication. For example, we can't both talk at the same time, we need to use the same language, and shouting is usually inappropriate. If a third friend joins us and adheres to our rules, then the three of us can share what we know. As we attract others who are willing to obey our rules, we find any one of us can engage any other in conversation. As our group grows, word spreads on who knows a lot about a certain subject and new acquaintances are made.
Clusters start to form to discuss their own special interests.
These Special Interest Groups hold up posters to let others know their focus and to invite them to join the discussion. We also find someone who always seems to be on top of current events, and the group that forms around her decides to call itself a Newsgroup. Any pedestrian on our street just has to find his way to that group to get today's top stories. Some groups augment their conversations with photographs, motion pictures and music and have even created maps to other groups discussing related topics. They attract a lot of attention, and soon elect to call themselves The Web.