Precis

Carol Gore
Dr. Banks
English 3810
05/24/04

Woodland, Randal. "Queer Spaces, Modem Boys, and Pagan Statues." The
Reader 1995: 417-431.

In the article, “Queer Spaces, Modem Boys, and Pagan Statues” (1995), Randal Woodland argues that the use of “metaphors” in cyber surfing; such as ones suggesting different geographical locations and identity, have a profound effect on virtual communities, particularly those consisting of a mostly homosexual population. The author begins the work by introducing the metaphors, then tells the reader how the article will be setup, and goes on to discuss four online communities, both homosexual and not specifically homosexual. Woodland’s purpose is to explain the idea of location, rules of etiquette and appropriateness, and other metaphors used in cyberspace in order to better define virtual communities. Randal Woodland develops a semi-formal relationship with gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and supportive straights who are online users.
Many young people who struggle with their sexual orientation have trouble connecting with others like them, especially if they live in small towns or isolated areas. It is important for them to interact with others in similar situations because it shows them that they are not alone, and could prove helpful in boosting there moral. Online communities are probably the best outlet to do just that. There they can converse with other gays or lesbians and share thoughts or ideas. People often are against the norm in their locations form very close knit communities online. Daniel Woodland explains in his article just how these communities mirror real life.
Unknowingly, everyone refers to cyberspace as if it is a place on a map. Although it is not a tangible thing, there are definitely places, rooms, addresses, and so on where one can go in order to find out what one is looking for. Of all of the communities discussed, the one that most parallels a real-life community is Modemboy. This site is modeled after something that surely all of it’s users are familiar with, high school. Ironically, many homosexual men, whom the site is geared after, often describe their high school years as a negative experience, yet in their adult years they find themselves talking with each other in an exact virtual replica of those educational institutions. Woodland addresses this in his article by stating, “On one level this textual play allows for an appropriation and redemption of negative high school experiences.”
Virtual communities contain the same written and unwritten laws of behavior that most real communities have, making them even more believable as a tangible thing. In order to determine if virtual communities exist, one must question what exactly a community is. Most would say that they are a group of like-minded people who treat each other in a particular way, based on what kind of group it is, in order to share ideas and feelings. Although the people involved cannot see or touch the individuals they are talking to, online groups embody the essence of this definition, and can be extremely helpful to those who feel isolated because they are not geographically linked with someone in the same situation as them.