A technology for information exchange via Internet list servers does not constitute a community, much less a foundation for democracy. These ideas are unreal when the dominant mode of interaction is chaos, which remains the law of the Internet. The People, are not engaged in governance, most do not even vote, an important civic responsibility.
Complexity is the essence of the technological civilization.
Knowledge of this complexity cannot be disclosed by natural language, in linear structure. They will often not speak the same language, use the same words in contradictory ways and speak past rather than with each other. To agree upon collective action under those typical conditions the group must either give way to the will of the stronger, compromise, or creatively integrate their diverse ideas. A systematic process is required to achieve the latter course, which is the only adequate strategy under which all viewpoints are considered to enrich the outcome of dialogue. Most groups of individuals, if they are ready to try, can establish a shared language and appreciation of the issues, which will enable a group to engage in genuine dialogue.