QotW4: I come bearing GIFTS!

Pollard (1999) stated that, the 'gift economy offers us a means to learn, to understand, to take charge, and to change our world'.

Online communities exist within a radically different environment. The setting is a (1) network of (2) digital (3) information, and each of these three features drives important changes. It is a world of information rather than physical objects (Kollack, 1999).

Everything I need is on the Internet. Especially information that are not readily accessible here locally. Forums, online communities are among the ideal places to gather information through like-minded individuals who share similar interest. Personally, I visit such sites mainly because they normally focus on a particular set of interest. Hence, it is more specific and concentrated. Most importantly, these places have a community of people that will share the same notion as me. Very unlike a search engine; where you can only get sites that links to the keyword.

I gather latest news, updates and information from others who post them up regularly in sites like Livejournal and forums like Yahoo Groups. When you type a word that describes your interest, the chances of coming across a forum or an online community that talks everything about that particular interest is highly probable.

MEOW!

I am a member of the MSN Group, Singapore Cats. The online group serves several purposes. Mainly, acting as a 'forum' for all cat lovers in Singapore. The members makes up of regular feeders, volunteers at animal welfare organisations like Cat Welfare Society (which I am also a member of) and anyone who loves cats. There are messages posted by members regarding anything ranging from stray cats looking for homes and the right way to feed a stray. Basically, everything under the sun. The concept of gift economy takes place when members exchange information with one another. Sometimes, people post news articles or pictures regarding an issue which might spark an interest with the rest. I try to do my best as a citizen journalist when I am asked to update the others regarding the strays around our area. Thus, the communication is two-way with both parties benefitting from each other's output.

The online group is not only insightful since it proves to be highly interactive as well. An example is when I wanted to help out with the strays in my residential area. I heard that there were a group of women who feed the stray cats daily who needs additional help. Especially with trapping the cats for sterilization. Through the group, I learn of several ways to get involved. I was listed in the list of feeders in the Jurong East area. If any strays need to be trap or requires medical attention, fellow feeders will contact each other.

Participating in the online group not only provide me with various information on cats. I benefitted largely when others share their experience and knowledge regarding the best vet to visit, the affordable animal clinics to go to. At times, there are perks when you are identified through association. Just the other day, I was given discount for buying cat food from a particular pet store. Why? I was a part of the Singapore Cats MSN Group and was automatically referred.

At the end of the day, what do I get from the online group? Invaluable information is the key point in this whole business of the gift economy. In the era of digital information, we are able to assess knowledge which is available in abundance. The Internet is a pool of information. The gift economy can be of use to anyone. How do I contribute then? Any message typed in a forum, viewable to the public is a service. I provide data thorough my knowledge or facts that I learn around me. It is apt to say that, individuals and groups can use resources governed under different types of constraints than those imposed by property law (Aigrain & Gonzalez-Borahona, 2003).

As Kollack (1999) stated, 'it becomes easy and very cheap to distribute information across the Internet'. Whether or not, the information serves as personal or beneficial purposes, is another issue.

References

Aigrain, P. & Gonzalez-Barahona, J. M. (2003). The Political Economy of Commons. The European Journal for the Informatics Professional, 4(3). Retrieved February 8, 2007, from http://www.upgrade-cepis.org/issues/2003/3/up4-3Benkler.pdf

Kollock, Peter (1999). 'The Economies of Online Cooperation; Gifts and Public Goods in Cyberspace" Retrieved February 8, 2007 from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/soc/faculty/kollock/papers/economies.htm

Pollard, Dave (2005). "The Gift Economy" Retrieved February 8, 2007 from http://blogs.salon.com/0002007/2005/04/17.html