Identity in a virtual community: The case of forum "The Sign of Sagita"

Abstract

This paper discusses the operating of one type of virtual community, established by science fiction/fantasy/horror fans, known as "Forum Znak Sagite". The specific access to the phenomena of cyber-space remains in the process of rethinking the phenomena confined neither by the usual oppositions of virtual: real nor by the debates about the ethics of virtual reality. Having taken in consideration the operation of a specific virtual community and the construction of the identification practices inside the community, we approach the issue from a local basis, observing the practice of specific people on the specific ground.

Keywords

• cyber-space
• virtual community
• identity construction
• virtual: real relation