They access AGM from school, work and home. They communicate with each other often and with a variety of media. They strongly identify with the group and express feelings of deep involvement with and even addiction to the newsgroup. AGM is a part of their lives. AGM has built a robust community.
Identity is created from email addresses and the information in the sig file.
The customized sig file often provides the most salient clues in distinguishing between individuals when the message body so closely resembles all the other messages received. Other distinguishing characteristics are the writing style used, the roles adopted in the group and the explicit information provided about oneself. AGM has created a group identity with a shared history. Through their on-line behavior and language constructs they continue to build and reinforce their group identity. Their discursive practices reveal their ideals and the support they give to and receive from the community.