The Rise of Virtual Communities: In Conversation with Virtual World Pioneers

Uncover the fascinating history of virtual communities and how we connect to each other online. The Rise of Virtual Communities, explores the earliest online community platforms, mapping the technological evolutions, and the individuals, that have shaped the culture of the internet.

Read in-depth interviews with the visionary founders of iconic online platforms, and uncover the history of virtual communities and how the industry has developed over time. Featuring never-before told stories, this exploration introduces new ideas and predictions for the future, explaining how we got here and challenging what we think we may know about building online communities.

Readers will

Learn what a virtual community is and how it has become an integral part of modern society
Review key insights into building virtual communities and platforms from the founders and pioneers who created them
See what the current developments and the potential challenges are related to the future of virtual communities

Who is this for
Community managers, company founders and those who want to know more about the origins and future of virtual communities.

interviews Include

Randy Farmer & Chip Morningstar – Lucasfilm Games ‘Habitat’ and creators of the modern Avatar
Howard Rheingold - Community expert and member of the WELL
Stacy Horn - Founder of Echo NYC
Jim Bumgardner - Founder of The Palace
Philip Rosedale - Founder of Second Life
Sampo Karjalainen - Co-founder of Habbo Hotel
Lance Priebe - Co-Founder of Club Penguin
Angelo Sotira - Co-Founder of Deviant Art
Caterina Fake - Co-Founder of Flickr
Alexis Ohanian- Founder of Reddit
Kevin Rose – Co-Founder of Digg & PROOF Collective
Jason Citron - Founder of Discord
Trevor McFedries - Founder of FWB & Brud
Cherie Hu - Founder of Water & Music
Michelle Kennedy - Founder of Peanut