Imaginary Communities #1
MORITURI
Morituri is an online forum which in look, feel and functionality works in the same way as other fora. The difference is that the length of one’s membership is strictly limited. On arrival in Morituri a new member is given an allowance of 999 posts. Each time they make a post, this number drops by 1, and when it reaches 0, they are allowed to make one final farewell post before enforced retirement from the forum.
The posting limit leads to a number of different approaches among Moriturans - strategies, almost. Some lead a briefer, higher-impact life on the site - participating fully, flaring out and retiring young. Others prefer to become elders, conserving their posts and making points only when they know they will be valuable, eking out their life within the community.
Culturally, Morituri has a very different flavour from most communities. The very subject matter and flavour of the site evolves over time as the make-up of the community changes. There is no great disrespect of newbies, and trolls are less of a problem - feeding one costs precious posts, and the troll, like any member, has only a short lifespan. Since there’s no going back, off-community contacts are essential - some compare the site to a kibbutz, or even an MBA course. Meanwhile the farewell posts contain some of the most candid, smartest and funniest writing on the site. Departed posters are fondly remembered - for a while, at least. But nostalgia is discouraged, and the only constant in this community is change.
