[froboz]

I agree completely with you that some anthropological knowledge can be useful in any number of fields, but then as a cultural anthropologist I'm more than a little biased. That being said, I'd argue that sociology isn't a necessary accompaniment to anthropology to understand/analyze contemporary Western cultures. I earned my doctorate studying World of Warcraft guilds (believe it or not), so I can vouch for the discipline's ability to address "modern" concerns.

[K0SM0S]

> sociology

Fair enough. I guess I should've stopped at saying that a little bit of exposure to both is good, can't hurt. My personal story was to come in for socio (part of political studies) but I left with anthropo as the real eye-opener.

> I earned my doctorate studying World of Warcraft guilds (believe it or not)

I've spent more time than I care to admit playing WoW and other 'persistent' online games in my 20s, but even more time managing organizations therein... (I'm sure you'll agree that "officers", the staff, spend about twice as much time managing than playing ;-) ) So, I guess I can believe it, like, first hand! And kudos, by the way, you have my genuine admiration. Had I continued in social sciences, I would have definitely focused on virtual environments. We need so much more awareness in that regard if we're to massively become real "digital" civilizations.

____

That being said, there's serendipity for me in the turn you took our discussion :)

I'm currently toying (seriously) with the idea of launching a "real world" guild: a 'new'/hybrid type of org that fits somewhere between:

- real medieval guilds (culture centered on a trade, a line of work, set of skills, craftsmanship, etc; and its general interfacing with the rest of the world)

- online modern guilds (organized group, purpose-driven, 'free' and voluntary, etc). Also sort of digging abstract 'dreams' of internet pioneers (the world village, communities..) and taking what fits reality (e.g. looking at the good and bad of open-source).

My project is aimed at developers, software makers; but a deeper goal is to nail (well, explore, experiment, describe) structures, processes, show an idea that others may emulate, in the same or other fields.

Bluntly, I'd love to hear your quick opinion and ask you a few questions maybe. You seem so uniquely qualified!

I haven't drafted much yet (still research/concept), and I'm curious about your very general take on the idea, this elevator pitch; but if you're interested I can give you more details.

I hope this is not intruding on my part, I'd totally understand if you replied with silence for a polite "no".

Best, regardless ;-)