>> Gladwell is in effect arguing that political movements that change
>> anything have to be based on real communities -- unions, parties,
>> anything where people meet face to face.
>
> I think this is tautological.
No. He's saying virtual communities can't call real demonstrations that require real sacrifice. That they lack the ability to shame their members over their fear or laziness the way real communities do. They can call out people to do something fun. But not something in any way dangerous or arduous.
That's not tautological. If you look at his original article, look at the part where he talks about the kids in their dorm daring each other forward. That's what he's saying virtual groups don't have.
> You can't get arrested, as they say, in your underwear.
You can in Iraq :-(
Michael