Online communities are blowing up, becoming more and more popular with, Internet geeks and socialites alike. Web sites such as MySpace.com and Friendster.com offer Internet surfers a place to meet new people, connect with friends, and express themselves.

Some on-line communities are geared toward different groups than others. Friendster is a place simply for people to post a photo, create a profile, send messages, add friends, and post a bulletin. MySpace, on the other hand, has all that plus profile customization, music, blogs, featured profiles, and classifieds. Creating a profile is the quintessential aspect of joining an online community. As soon as a member hits ‘submit,’ suddenly you’ve created your entire persona in text to share with anyone who cares.

Oh, the pressure.

Creating a profile may spark a nerve. Those who like to share about themselves have no problem with it, but for others it’s not so easy. For instance, people pick real names and others make up aliases. Friends like Will Ferrell and Angelina Jolie grace member profiles … but don’t get too excited, these are rarely real stars, but simply folks stepping outside their own persona.

Despite what the community will read, first impressions are still based on appearance. Picking a photo to share with the world is important. The pic may attract singles or friends who share the same style. Anyone can choose to post a sexy photo (no birthday suits allowed), a mug shot, or a crazy, charismatic picture.

Part of the beauty of on-line communities is everything relies on what the individual wants. Members choose whether they add someone as a friend, respond to messages, or get away and just log off. These communities are just the way good friendships should be.

Bulletin boards are a popular place for club promoters to advertise parties and other social events for members to become involved in. There are also numerous clubs and groups with every interest possible, whether it be import cars, fashion maniacs, travel or health, there’s a group for everyone. Unless you’re creative and individualistic, and then you can start your own. Friends can rank others’ photos, or write about whatever is on their mind in the forum section.

Online communities are fun for practically everyone, no matter the age, appearance, occupation, or habits, none of that matters. These social Web sites are designed to connect people to others and spark communication.Visit MySpace.com or Friendster.com to find out where the party is.