I first came across the term third space in a book about Google written by an ex-top ranking HR executive. In it, he wrote that Google aims to be the third space in its employees’ lives. Third space refers to a place other than home and the office, in which people can hang out with others and bask in a shared sense of community and camaraderie.

Came across third space for the second time in a second book and hence, felt that I ought to write something about it. I wondered if third space has to be somewhere physical. Instantly, my answer was nope. I realised Stacker News fits the bill for me, because I not only maintain my presence here consistently, but also have other members acknowledge my thoughts and meanderings via their tags.

I talk to you guys more often than I maintain my connections with my real life friends. I reckon the unique value proposition of Stacker News is that you don’t really have to put yourself out there, unlike in face-to-face communications. You can post your thoughts. Whether it’s in a hugely popular territory or some obscure corner, you can share your authentic self. After that, if your thoughts resonate with other Stackers, they will respond. Otherwise, you can move on. It’s minus the nerve-wracking atmosphere in which you put forth a topic in conversation and wait anxiously for your interlocutor to respond.

I bet Stacker News functions similarly as a third space for many of you. Is Stacker News your only third space though? Or are you lucky enough to have many communities in which you can be yourself unreservedly?