In many cases, the value propositions of online communities and not for profit organizations will not be substantially different. What I am taking to be the distinguishing feature of the online communities is that it seems that the vast majority, if not all, of the interaction that takes place between participants is online. In contrast, not for profit organizations have an infrastructure that relies, at least in part, on face to face interaction.

In this day and age all organizations operate online to some extent and are also all trying to extend their reach through the development of communities so the distinction is somewhat tenuous and might overtime be of little substantial value.

For now, however, there seems to be a meaningful distinction to be drawn.

Any thoughts on this and other taxonomic issues?