Having grappled for a while with the concept of Virtual Ethnographical study, as indicated in the course description Sian’s message has provided some clarity as to what is required namely the investigation into an online community of one’s choice.
And there is the snag – what sort of choice? The first postings on the DB suggest that fellow students struggle in a simialr way.
Damien with his venture in American right-wing politics is obviously where no reasonable person will go…

I was initially thinking of the ‘Education Ning’ community but hey this may be boring – probably the same old stuff again. Therefore should one be brave and venture out of one’s comfort zone – joining perhaps the ‘Is Elvis still Alive’ social networking site/discussion board.
Maybe the argument may be made that the more esoteric the choice of online community is the easier it is to write about.
I remain confused! I’ll follow the debate a bit longer before making my choice.