Drawing on field data gathered from 1994 to 1996, this article considers tensions in the development of community networks and highlights the decisions that shape particular types of networks. Four key decision points include interface choice, content, interaction, and outreach. Discourse about decision making is often dichotomized around civic and consumer social currents. Civic currents demand text-only interfaces, exclusively non- profit content, full electronic interaction capabilities for everyone, and deep outreach efforts. In contrast, consumer currents push graphical interfaces, the inclusion of profit-making content, limited interaction options, and meso to shallow outreach. While considering the influences of these currents, the article problematizes the dichotomy and considers more specific social influences on decision making. It also suggests specific network decisions that may contribute to greater communications equity.

In this article, we construct a framework for distinguishing various types of computermediated communities. Once that is done, we move on to the analysis of "community networks." Community networks are systems that electronically connect individuals who also share common geographic space. Considering data gathered from 1994 to 1995, we suggest some problems concerning community networks as a locus of computer-mediated interaction. In addition, we propose research directions that may enhance future sociological inquiries into the social understanding of community networks as well as other computermediated associations.Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer. Only connect. . .Within the world of Howards End, Forster and his characters struggle with the dilemmas of making connections in a Victorian liberal-humanist period that preceded World War I. While the epigraph "only connect" suggests a positive imperative for making ties, it also implies despair for the difficulties of doing so. Indeed, Forster's story documents the tension between ideological visions of connection and the obstacles created by an often hostile world.The tension between context and ideals remains salient in an age of information. There has been much excitement about the Internet's potential to facilitate connections and community. But the complexities of contemporary societies and the nuances of computer-mediated community have generated new forms of community and new related problems. We are witnessing a social web different than that before seen. And without a full understanding of this web, it is unclear that the communities it generates will meet the ideals forwarded by some technological advocates.This article begins to evaluate the era's new communities. First, we suggest a framework for distinguishing various types of computer-mediated communities. Once that is done, we move on to the analysis of "community networks." Community networks are systems that electronically connect individuals who also

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This teaching note presents a required proseminar for sociology and criminology and justice studies majors. The American Sociological Association reported that about half of U.S. sociology program curriculum integrate career resources and about one-third offer a course. On a spring 2021 proseminar pilot self-assessment pretest, 18 students indicated it was important to them to get help on developing professional skills and materials. On that same pretest, most indicated that already developed materials would not support their professional needs for the next one to three years, and few were confident about soft skills related to networking, searching for jobs, or in translating major skills to job needs. Data based on proseminar assignment completion indicate students mitigated these shortfalls by engaging heavily in resume building, networking, and soft skills development. The author argues this work may mitigate first-generation inequities in both the type of jobs secured and related satisfaction.