[Air-l] Re: first post (An Internet Without Space)

[Nils Zurawski]

this discussion becomes ever more interesting....
  I was esp. intrigued by Charles# and Michelle's postings.. which got 
me to think on the notion of space and spatiality as it seemed to 
have been used throughout the debate... and I might have missed 
something...so be kind..

space and spatiality were/are discussed with reference to physical 
space.. the 'real', embodiement.. Michelle's setting tried to get 
away from it and indeed I think this is a good idea.. studies in 
urban sociology and the sociology of space have indeed discussed a 
dichotomy which might be helpful for us...
The two arguments or lines of thought can be divided into approaches that see

a. space as a container7absolute space ->eucliadian space where 
action in these spaces does not affect the spatial construction, look 
or make-up
b. relational space -> space is formed by action, experiences and 
changes spaces on a constant basis. Furthermore a person can inhabit 
different spaces at a time, because the concept is context driven.

REbecca bryant - I cited her work earlier - argues for a. in the case 
of Cyberspace, as she sees the computers and cables as the container. 
I disagree with that, but have also difficulties with point b.

Looking for a term to describe the "space" we are talking about is 
difficult, as we want to make a statement and localize people and the 
communication between them somewhere.  Setting would be a start to 
get away from it... Sphere of experience another... Gibson calls it 
"hallucination" , which has more to do with the cognitive aspects 
then with the "locus".  I also find it hard to talk about 
on/offline.. and think about something that can describe the 
"continuum of experience" of communication and actions and hence 
social relations better... social relations do not have to be space 
bound, but create a whole, whichmay constitute space, not necessarily 
physical in nature...

I hope I still make sense and have not lost all of you  by now.. 
before I do I leave at that and wait for your comments..

bes t
nilz
-- 
Dr. Nils Zurawski
Universität Hamburg
Inst. für kriminologische Sozialforschung
Allendeplatz 1
20146 Hamburg
Germany
tel. +49 (0) 40 42838 6185
fax. +49 (0) 40 42838 2328

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