On Usenet, a complex fabric of local traditions and jargon adds to the sense of thereness. Watch for evidence of local culture emerging, and nourish it. Invent games for the site, and reinforce catchy coinages by users. Offer multiple, simultaneous modes of interaction In 1995, The Well debuted a sleek Web GUI called Engaged. Interacting in different channels heightens the buzz of being in a shared physical space.
Gods are useful if they instruct with compassion.
The responsibilities implied by a hostly model are memorably described in John Coate's 1992 essay, Cyberspace Innkeeping . Send it . Use this version. E-mail this to a friend. Wired Digital Inc., a Lycos Network site.