Hello
Regarding citation, I personaly prefer MLA
Regarding groups, I agree the smaller the group is the better, but then this will depend on what topic we choose and
what subtopics we agree upon, and the like…
Concerning the topic itself, I like Joana's one, which is mainly effects of social networking.
I think a way we can broaden this or make it "original like" or interesting or new is by looking at how online social networking affects activism in Egypt: social activism, political activism?
We can use facebook as an example, but I think to focus just on that it will be too limiting.
Another idea will be to go beyond social networking tools, and to reach all the way to all forums in which readers can be authors as well. so that would include newspapers sites, authors blogs, and the like… .
I'm not sure if that seems like too much into what topic or not, but we can look at whether these affects are having n the Egyptian society differ from one "social class" to another. So like how does it affect the middle class? is political activism via e-forums happening more in upper classes ( auc community can be an example?) because the means are available? or is it a cross section phenomenon? ( we can think of the 6th of April movement and look at the diversity of the egyptians involved in that.
I know the fact that the group on facebook was started by an AUCian, however, I know a lady from a very different financial, educational, and social background who is also involved her and her community with what is called ( the youth of 6th of April or Shabab 6 ebril) We can also monitor the upcoming presidential elections an the online campaigns…ie.Al Baradei e-campaign – young people are discussing the Egyptian constitution in the comment sections of YouTube and Facebook!there is alot of debate and discussion about regarding whether it is constitutional or not for Dr. Al Baradei to run as a presidential candidate ,and if he cannot, what are the alternatives possible to make him eligible - change of consitution? popular deligation? ( I think that's phenomenal!!!)
I really hate saying that people if formed of different classes and calling them upper and middle and the like, but….could that be a subsequent topic of research? how e-forums affect the gaps between the different social segments of the egyptian society? If for the nature of communication ( reach , speed, affordability) people who wouldn't else wise meet or have thing in common are actually communicating today?
- of course political activism is not the only thing; there is also social and community issues. How digital mediums are allowing more community awareness and community activism. i.e are we witnessing the rise of more environment activism? Community building activism? etc … and are is this happening throughout all segments of the egyptian society equally or not?
We can also look at how sustainable these ( presumed) activisms are. What I have in mind I that, are they just a fashion recently? a phenomenon among youth? or are they well founded? we can also look at what prospects of change do they bring upon Egypt's future as a whole. .
So yeah, this is all I have in mind. I hope that it's not too much information at once and that it's clear and not confusing. :S If it is, I can try to explain better