Consider the grand experiment presented here on this forum. You're an (over)active contributor. You believe you've established "relationships" with other strangers through the exchange of, um, ideas. You defend those you like or who tickle you, and absolutely adore those with whom you agree. You'll also take very strong issue with those who offend you. In short, a community has formed, a quasi-family, and if someone you liked went away, you'd feel it. If there were a potluck, you'd be all in.

The only common denominator -- the only one -- is access. Yet note how quickly a caste system develops. The regulars are the good guys (and some bad, by your definition); the unrecognized screen names are interlopers until proved otherwise. There's a toll to be paid, a litmus test to be passed, to gain favored status. Gosh, you even vote, based not on quality of content but on emotion.

So, please tell me again how community and family aren't at the heart of this issue, and it's all about money.