The OED defines Community as: "The quality of appertaining to or being held by all in common; joint or common ownership, tenure, liability, etc." Or alternately, "Life in association with others."

In a world that has grown all too large and beyond our reach, the internet has often been lauded as a way to recreate community by enabling people to find common responsibilities and liabilities, interests and beliefs -- a way to recreate life in association with others.

Until I started blogging, I didn't really experience this in action. But, over the past few days, I've seen a great example of blogger folk living in common with each other. This was, of course, over and above the amazing way that many people have offered support and advice, help and comfort to me when I have been anxious, scared, and/or freaking out over the past few months.

Now, it's time to make community with Badger, an ABD struggling to dissertate, teach, be a mom, and live through her husband's battle with terminal liver cancer. Academic Coach has started a fund to help the Badger family deal with medical costs. It's a chance to take some common ownership of our online community. Here's the link to the fund: Mr. Badger Fund.