#DIGC102 - Online Community
The online community that I am involved with is a Glasgow Rangers supporters forum. I have been a member of this forum for over one year, yet I have not contributed a post.
For the uninitiated, Rangers F.C. is a Glasgow based football team who play in the Scottish Premier League. Whilst they have more domestic titles than any other European club, they are just as famous for their rivalry with cross city rivals Cetlic, a rivalry born out of religious and ideological differences.
As a result of this, the battles between the clubs are just as big off the field as they are on it. Recently the forum and parent site was brought down due to a cyber attack, believed to have been from rival supporters.
The forum has become a knowledge database for fans of the club, with regular articles from online newspapers posted as well as countless expert opinions from contributors. This knowledge community is the reason I signed up to the forum, but as a member I am witness to other sides of football fans.
As the team is based in Scotland a number of posts use Scottish slang and dialects, making some posts very hard to understand. There is also a sense of bigotry involved with some posts, but in general the moderators aim to keep discussions focused on football.
A current focus for fan grievances at the moment is someone Australians can relate to. Steven Conroy is a referee in the SPL and gave out a number of cards in last weekends match and has received a great deal of criticism, though hidden behind a veil of internet speak/Scottish garble.
Below is a video of a Rangers v Celtic derby from last season. It was a cracking match and featured Pedro Mendes’ goal of the season.
