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Step 1
Select a specific type of online community. Free blog sites like LiveJournal and Blogger enable members to comment on each others’ blogs and interact via groups and emails. Free social networking sites allow people to connect with new and old friends from all over the world. Bulletin boards attached to music and film websites offer free online camaraderie for entertainment fans.
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Step 2
Choose your interest. If you’re a budding or experienced artist, sell your wares on free websites like deviantART and Etsy and mingle virtually with other artists. Join a free online community like Writers or Writers Café to chat or exchange ideas with other writers. If pets drive your passion, there’s a free online community like Pethobbyist to connect with other pet owners.
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Step 3
Check the home page of the online community for sign up information. You’ll need to enter a username, password and basic personal data like name, city, state or birthdate. You’ll receive a confirmation email. Click on the link in the email and then login to your online community.
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Step 4
Read the terms of service before posting. Certain communities ban members who swear in posts, while others have rules about posting copyrighted photos or text.
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Step 5
Correspond with other online community members. Introduce yourself as soon as you join, and keep a steady presence on the community board. This help both your business and personal interests, and you’ll learn more if you log in every day, or at least every week.
