Post 6: Will you be my (online) neighbor?

I have been participating in two online communities as part of the assignment for this course. As you might have guessed from my handle, I joined two dog communities. I was hesitant to join these communities because I was concerned about my privacy and I did not want to be asked for personal information.

However, I was pleasantly surprised that these communities only ask you for the bare minimum to help create a username and password. Modifying your profile is completely optional and you share as much as you want to share. I have been having such a wonderful experience so far.

After having been a part of a community for roughly about week, can I share with you the benefits of being a member of a shared space?

1. Support. The amount of support and encouragement I have received from this community has been amazing. I have had some issues with my little Shiba Inu, Niko and so many different members have reached out to help. They have provided tips, tricks, and techniques to help me with my questions and concerns.                                                                                                     
2. Interaction. I have had more conversations about my dog in the span of this week than I have had face-to-face in the past month. This community is designed to attract people that share the same interests and therefore, I have a higher likelihood of being able to foster those conversations that I enjoy having about my Niko. Instead of forcing my interests on disinterested parties, I have somewhere to go who will gladly listen.                                             
3. Information. Through the use of the forums, I have been exposed to more useful links, blogs, and sites than I could be able to find on my own. This kind of knowledge bank can not be created my a google search attempt, this type of plethora information comes from the help of many contributors. In addition, some of the members of the community are experts in dog care and provide accurate information.                                                                                                    
4. Perspective. This is one of the most valuable benefits I have experienced as being part of this community thus far. This online community provides multiple opinions and perspectives in a convenient and manageable way. Why look at something in a linear fashion when you can observe in 360?                                                                                                                                
5. At no cost to you. (Sometimes) Not all communities are free to join. However, the online community that I am a member of allows everyone to interact freely. There are no financial restrictions or membership fees. I have to be honest, some of the advice I received is very valuable. I think this will save me some veterinary clinic visits in the future. 

Am I missing anything?