Friday Funny: Introducing the Cast of Your Neighborhood Email List

Emily Badger has produced a thoroughly researched article on "The 20 Characters You'll Meet on Every Neighborhood Email List." We think you might recognize a few of these folks.

1 minute read

March 2, 2012, 2:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


According to Badger the neighborhood email list provides a form of civic participation that offers a way for, "people who have never previously been involved in their communities...to do so without having to leave home, or put on pants."

Examples of common characters, found in neighborhoods from suburban Atlanta to downtown Seattle, include:

The moderator: "This is the person who, if such email groups didn't exist, would be organizing your neighborhood speed bump petition."

The loose canon: "This person is liable at any moment to pepper the email chain with profanity, personal attacks, or links to NSFW YouTube videos wholly unrelated to anything going on in the neighborhood."

The longtime resident: "No matter how long you've lived in your neighborhood, this person has lived there longer, and will remind you of that fact every chance he or she gets."

The dog-poop vigilante: "Before email was invented, this person would just have to mutter to himself while walking down the street, "why can't people pick up after their dogs?!" But now he can broadcast this sentiment to all of his neighbors in a matter of seconds. And he does. IN ALL CAPS."

Friday, February 24, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog