By it's simplest definition, virtual community software -- such as Soop Portal -- allows human beings to connect with each other. But if we look a little deeper we may well find that virtual community software has many different functions, and benefits, for our planet; virtual community software can function in many varied and meaningful ways. However, before we examine this functionality, perhaps it is appropriate to explore the definition of "community."

Whether they exist in the material world or the virtual world, communities take many diverse forms. For example, communities can be envisioned as...

• A group viewed as forming a distinct segment of society:
  • The gay community
  • The town or village in which you live
  • A community of persons of a similar race
  • Persons of a similar religion

• A group of people having common interests, goals, or needs:
  • The educational community
  • The software development community
  • The gaming community
  • The motorcycle enthusiast community
  • The scientific community

Within the material world the concept of "community" is a well established. However, over the past decade communities have become empowered by the Internet, which has eliminated the physical boundaries which formerly existed between those who shared common interests and passion. Examples of virtual Internet communities can be found by examining...

• IRC
• Chat rooms
• Web based "portals"
• Web based "forums"
• Static Web sites
• Web based discussion forums
• E-mail based discussion lists/groups

Virtual communities are empowered by diversity, and it was Soop Portal member OldTimer who once wrote...

"The virtual community allows us to associate ourselves with those who have a similar mindset, and common interests...but as we are all just that slightly different…we become engaged in one large friendship-alliance-community where, paradoxically, our differences actually enhance the community via differing points of view which encourage discussion and critical thought."

This concept, so eloquently described by Oldtimer, leads us to understand the "Web Portal," as the ultimate virtual community which can be described as a "club" that members "join" through a "sign-up process." This "virtual club" is an association of members with a common interest which bind members together to form a community. The meeting place? Why it is the virtual community software (such as Soop Portal) that forms a meeting place. And it is this virtual meeting place that develops "a personality" which members become "fond" of, and whose dynamic content becomes a knowledge base which members value for research, advice, participation, topic exploration, and interaction with their peers.

The web portal community benefits it's members by providing the mechanism to bring those of common interest together across (formerly) vast physical boundaries. The web portal provides an unending stream of member-generated content evolving into a knowledge base of great value to members and researchers, and it provides members with an opportunity "to be somebody", "to make a difference," and "to be heard" through community participation and interaction. It cannot be stressed enough how much web portal functionality has the potential to empower critical discussion, democratic interaction, and collaboration.

But wait...there's more! 

Businesses can utilize virtual community software to transcend traditional print media and web marketing hype, and to command the attention of a vast audience of consumers…consumers who are empowered to comment, criticize, and participate in the evolution of the sponsoring organization's business practices. Such software can cultivate the ultimate "sticky" website to which consumers return over and over…because the consumer values the experience and constantly evolving community driven content. In addition, a revenue stream can be enabled through the introduction of vendors as paying sponsors. It should also be mentioned that rganizations can obtain broad recognition through "viral marketing" ("word of mouth" said to "spread "like a virus").

Virtual communities built with Soop Portal software have nearly unlimited possibilities, not the least of which is the potential to change our world for the better.

Consider all of these possibilities when you build your virtual community. And don't forget to consider that the breadth and impact of your web portal is bound by only your imagination, your determination, and your ingenuity. We at SoopPortal.org would like to help you succeed. If you need assistance, please ask. We're here to help.