An interesting read...

[tsciarini]

I'd like to thank the member that sent us this link... I found it pretty interesting considering...

http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol10/issue4...tml#background

Here's an excerpt:

Researchers have examined a range of phenomena related to online discussion groups, including member contribution patterns, churn, sustainability, and motivations to contribute (e.g., Constant, Sproull & Kiesler, 1995; Rheingold, 1993; Wasko & Faraj, 2005), empathy expression (Preece, 2000), deception, conflict, and social control (see Smith & Kollock, 1999); and how work-oriented groups differ in their contribution patterns from more entertainment-oriented groups (Finholt & Sproull, 1990). Collectively, the research to date shows that intimate relationships and development of community are possible online, and that online forums can be productive and sustainable. But the research also reveals that online groups confront developmental obstacles that can hamper information sharing and lead to a forum's quick demise. These include lack of familiarity among individuals, distinctive thought worlds, disparities in verbal skill, differing cultures, status differences, and challenges associated with physical distance (e.g., Bechky, 1999; Earley & Gibson, 2002; Gruenfeld, Mannix, Williams, & Neale, 1996). Meaningful knowledge sharing among professionals often requires situated understanding (Bechky, 2003), a process that is difficult in the asynchronous, low-context setting of online text exchange. Smith (1999) has tracked thousands of Usenet groups and observed, "In many cases a newsgroup is a barren or cacophonous space" (p. 201). He reports that a fifth of groups are entirely empty, and most attract fewer than 50 contributors and produce fewer than 20 messages per month.

[George]

Mmmm. "Usenet". The seamy underside of the seamy underside of the Internet.

[jefft]

Kind of goes along with what I said and did. I use my name and post a picture of me. I will never threaten anyone or call them any names, use ethinc metaphors. I expect the same from others, but I am open for ribbings, jokes and good natured fun and hopefully so is everyone else.