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Table of Contents
Communities and Spaces
This is a personal definition.
Communities
A community is defined as a group where it is small enough for you to have a real say in how the group is run, and what rules it abides by. A good example is a friend group, from 2 to maybe 30 people, or maybe some roommates.
Because you have a real say in how the group is run, you consent to all the rules of the group. Therefore, there are no rulers.
A good rule of thumb is that, if someone in the group is doing something you object to, asking them personally to stop (at least in this group) is possible, and at least worth more than just muting them.
Spaces
Spaces are the opposite; places that are big enough that you couldn't really say “please stop” to someone you're objecting to, and it's usually easier (even expected) to just press the mute button. Think of public spaces, or large chat groups (1000+ people), or the Fediverse.
It's not necessarily bad. “Don't like, don't look” is a useful principle, after all, and helps build spaces that cater to everyone, even when people object to what other people do. However, spaces may come with rulers if not properly decentralized, since you don't have a real say in the rules.
Communities vs Spaces
I don't know. You probably need a mix of both. But beware of rulers.