The American Heritage Dictionary describes community as a group of people having something in common, whether physical, geographical.emotional or intellectual. The word also denotes a sense of belonging, of being a part of a greater group. What we are seeing is a very different “community” emerging, one that does not rely on geography, but more on emotion and intellect. And thanks to the internet that “community” is growing.

On our recent trip to Florida, we stopped in to visit with Jan and Karin Bergemann who, over the years, have become more friends than fellow activists. But what happens when members of this new cyber community get together? What do they talk about?

On The Commons with us this week is an informal pool side discussion with Karin and Jan Bergemann and Terry Bartholomew, Please join us On The Commons. Eavesdrop on an informal conversation, listen to what advocates talk about when they meet socially and find out who has the most to say, the advocates or their spouses? On the Commons is a weekly radio talk show about issues facing those who live in common interest communities. On the Commons is broadcast live from WEBR Fairfax, Virginia.

Some people have asked how to get a copy of the the song, “One Way Ticket to Hell”, that has become sort of an unoffical theme song, to the On the Commons radio show. It was donated to the homeowner movement by Harry Flagle who wrote the lyrics and the music for the song. On the Commons is a weekly radio talk show about issues facing those who live in common interest communities. On the Commons is broadcast live from WEBR Fairfax, Virginia.

Homeowners who have the audacity to voice any dissatisfaction with their homeowner associations are often told to run for the board. The idea being that anyone who has served on the board of directors of their associations is less likely to complain. But suppose that “solution” backfires? What happens when the very experience of being on the board is all the proof one needs that the concept communal living is flawed? What is the “answer” then?

On The Commons with us this week is Robert Metcalf, Being a conscientious board member, Bob decided to get educated on HOAs to be a more knowledgeable and responsible board member. As treasurer he took his position seriously. He read about associations and attended the meetings and what he learned shocked and scared him to such an extent that he deiced to put his findings and his thoughts on paper. Please join us On The Commons. We’ll talk with Bob about his experiences as a board member and what compelled him to take the time to write it all down for us.

Fads come and go. When the fads in food, fashion or fun or fade out, the impact they leave is little more than a memory or a faded photo of mini skirts, disco balls or skinny ties stuck in an album somewhere. Food, fortunately has a shelf life and Pac Man has been replaced with other games. Unfortunately not all fads are that easy to replace.

What happens when we find out, after having spent time, effort and loads of money, that the “solution” to a particular problem is not a solution at all but instead has exacerbated the problem? Can we cover it all up with pretty words?

On The Commons with us this week is Peyton Knight, Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs for The National Center for Public Policy Research . Based in Washington DC, The National Center for Public Policy Research is dedicated, in part, to providing solutions and research to today’s public policy problems. Today we will be talking about a major shift in how we shape and design our neighborhoods. Please join us On The Commons this Saturday, June 30, 2007. We’ll talk with Peyton about Smart Growth, what it really is and the impact it has on how and where we live. Copyright OTC Multimedia Productions 2007