If there is one noun that I hate to see used with online communities, it’s tribes.
All I know is that this got started somewhere with Seth Godin, and other people latched on. By mentioning a real book, they looked smart and like they read a real book by an author who had books before a blog.
Ugh. Good for them. Suck ups.
When I think of a tribe, I don’t think of a sophisticated group of people in an online setting working towards shared goals and values. Instead, I think of a bunch of sophisticated individuals who are behind the technology curve and are going to get smashed by a bunch of idiotic settlers who crave more crap.
Also, because I’m a terrible person who stereotypes, I also think of a bunch of people in traditional Native American outfits. I know, I suck.
I don’t think of my Twitter followers as a tribe. I don’t think of Facebook fans as a tribe. I respect them and realize I am not leading them into war with another tribe or asking them for a blood sacrifice.I’ve got better things to do, like watch cat videos.
So fuck tribes. Online, we act like stupid, uncivilized and unenlightened jerks. But we’re at least better than the word “tribes.” Sheesh.
What are you hating on this week? What aspect of online life do you want to give a “Fuck you!” to?
Social media ‘gurus’. I’m truly tired of that one…
Ooh, good one. I love the image of a guy reaching enlightenment up on a mountain, with his laptop, and iPhone, and iPad.
Ugh! Glad you nailed this.
I want to give a hearty back of the hand to those “newspapers” -e.g. the Asshat Today is out! Absolutely random links moshed together that are of NO USE to anyone. There should be a competition for most irrelevant link in the Daily Screed, winner to be featured in Mashable.
Does anyone actually read those things?
I don’t think I’ve heard of people using the word “tribes” to describe an online community outside of tribe.net, which I’m only familiar with since a bunch of hoopers and burners are on that site- precisely the type of folk who would like the notion of being in a tribe. You may call me a stinky hippie now. : P
Do I smell patchouli?
I knew a dude once that signed his emails as “Web Urbanista”. No, seriously. I know.
Sounds like a weirdo.