The Math Forum: Measuring the Aliveness of a Community

Abstract

The Math Forum is an enduring virtual community. The aliveness of this community was measured using seven principles derived by Wenger, McDermott, & Snyder (2002) as design principles for communities of practice: (1) Design for evolution. (2) Open a dialogue between inside and outside perspectives. (3) Invite different levels of participation. (4) Develop both public and private community spaces. (5) Focus on value. (6) Combine familiarity and excitement. (7) Create a rhythm for the community. The principles proved to be good measure of aliveness in an existing community. As a point of discussion, a conjecture was made that the principles are necessary but not sufficient for a community to be alive.