Image from Deviantart

"Power, as I understand it, is a relational effect of social interaction." (Allen, 2003). In my chosen social network, Advanced Anime, interaction between non administrative members is one of, if not the highest, forms of power. The members have power due to them providing content and discussion.

The social network I'm using was originally intended as an image gallery in the anime niche, and over time developed a comment system, user uploads, a member system and forums. A more detailed history of the site is available here. I have been a member of this site circa 2005, and still actively participate in the forums.

At Advanced Anime the members have power in several ways. The content of the image galleries is all member uploaded. The images in the gallery are also tagged by members, and members get scored for how many tags they set, and small achievements termed "crowns" can be achieved this way. Member profiles display their tagging stats and crowns. Profiles also display other stats, such as hours spent on the site, page views, uploads, comments and forum posts.
Another form of power is held in the member's rank. The ranks vary from Validated Member, to Veteran, and various forms of Admin. These ranks are displayed on not only the profile of each member, but also on every post made in the forum. This allows people to keep track of who is who.

The space of the site has been designed so that all the main sections of the site can be gotten to via tabs at the top of each page. This allows easy navigation through the site, so one never feels at all inhibited in their movements to and fro.

Having been active on this site for quite a number of years, looking at it through these fresh lens and talking about it in further posts is an interesting prospect. Seeing the different ways that I as a member, and others have power is quite a new experience.

Reference List

Allen, J. (2003). Lost geographies of power. Malden, MA.: Blackwell.

Image Credits
~Boobah, (2009) 1984 or The Panopticon Retrieved from http://www.deviantart.com/art/1984-or-The-Panopticon-40914865