Block Quote by Clifford Stoll
“The virtual community? The word virtual does not mean "virtue." It means "not." When I go to the store and they say: The shirt that you brought in is virtually done. It means it is not done, in the same way that the virtual community is not a community. There is no commitment there. When you log off, you are not a member of it anymore. My flesh and blood community, the sense of knowing my neighbor, knowing the guy across the street, having dinner with the people down the block, getting along with each other and making compromises, that's a genuine community with a commitment.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Talk on digital culture, 1990s, public lecture
The term “virtual” indicates something not real or incomplete, so a virtual community lacks true commitment and personal connection.
In simple terms: Virtual means not real; community needs real commitment.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine, face‑to‑face relationships.
Themes
community
authenticity
commitment
technology
social bonds
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
observational
philosophical
sociological
When to use this quote
- online forums
- social media
- remote work
- virtual events
- online gaming
Key Concepts
digital culture
social capital
presence
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine community from superficial online groups?
- What practices can make virtual interactions more authentic?
A Different Perspective
Virtual spaces can still foster meaningful ties if participants invest time and effort.
