/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/trainkorpus/1/file_230.html NN ----------------------------------------- : JCMC NP 9 CD 2 CD January NP 2004 CD Collab NP U NP CMC NP Play NP E NP Commerce NP Symposium NN Net NN Law NP InfoSpaces NP Usenet NP NetStudy NP VEs NP VOs NP O NP Journ NP HigherEd NP Conversation NN Cyberspace NP Web NP Commerce NP Vol NP . SENT 6 CD No RB . SENT 1 CD Vol NP . SENT 6 CD No RB . SENT 2 CD Vol NP . SENT 6 CD No RB . SENT 3 CD Vol NP . SENT 6 CD No RB . SENT 4 CD Vol NP . SENT 7 CD No RB . SENT 1 CD Vol NP . SENT 7 CD No RB . SENT 2 CD Vol NP . SENT 7 CD No RB . SENT 3 CD Vol NP . SENT 7 CD No RB . SENT 4 CD Vol NP . SENT 8 CD No RB . SENT 1 CD Vol NP . SENT 8 CD No RB . SENT 2 CD Vol NP . SENT 8 CD No RB . SENT 3 CD Vol NP . SENT 8 CD No RB . SENT 4 CD Vol NP . SENT 9 CD No RB . SENT 1 CD Information NP Exchange NP in IN Virtual JJ Communities NNS . SENT A DT Comparative JJ Study NP Gary NP Burnett NP and CC Harry NP Buerkle NP Florida NP State NP University NP Abstract JJ Introduction NN Health NP Information NP and CC Support NN on IN Usenet NP Literature NN Review NP . SENT Online JJ Support NN Groups NNS Categorization NN of IN Newsgroup NP Posts VVZ Hostile JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS Collaborative JJ Interactive NP Behaviors NNS . SENT Non JJ Informational JJ Collaborative JJ Informational JJ Behaviors NNS . SENT Informational JJ Implications NNS and CC Revisions NNS to TO the DT Typology NN Category NN Limits NNS and CC Ambiguities NNS Announcements NNS and CC Spam NN Flames NNS The DT Temporal JJ Dimension NN Definitional JJ Limits NNS Revisions NNS to TO the DT Typology NN Conclusions NNS Footnotes NNS References NNS About IN the DT Authors NNS Abstract JJ Burnett's NP 2000 CD typology NN of IN information NN exchange NN in IN virtual JJ communities NNS attempts VVZ to TO provide VV a DT framework NN for IN examining VVG the DT range NN of IN activities NNS undertaken VVN by IN participants NNS in IN such JJ communities NNS . SENT This DT study NN is VBZ the DT first JJ in IN a DT series NN to TO apply VV the DT typology NN to TO specific JJ virtual JJ communities NNS , , in IN an DT effort NN to TO assess VV its PP$ accuracy NN against IN the DT day NN to TO day NN interactions NNS to TO be VB found VVN in IN two CD online JJ communities NNS . SENT Through IN a DT comparison NN of IN these DT two CD communities NNS using VVG the DT typology NN , , revisions NNS to TO the DT typology NN are VBP proposed VVN which WDT will MD allow VV it PP to TO reflect VV more RBR accurately RB activities NNS found VVN within IN the DT communities NNS . SENT By IN providing VVG a DT metric NN through IN which WDT to TO address VV such JJ questions NNS , , the DT revised VVN typology NN will MD allow VV a DT richer JJR understanding NN of IN virtual JJ communities NNS as IN social JJ information NN environments NNS . SENT Introduction NN Burnett's NP 2000 CD typology NN of IN information NN exchange NN in IN virtual JJ communities NNS attempts VVZ to TO provide VV a DT framework NN for IN examining VVG the DT range NN of IN activities NNS undertaken VVN by IN participants NNS in IN such JJ communities NNS . SENT Derived VVN from IN a DT substantial JJ body NN of IN research NN as RB well RB as IN ongoing JJ observation NN , , this DT typology NN allows VVZ for IN the DT categorization NN of IN a DT virtual JJ community's NNS publicly RB posted VVD messages NNS , , so RB that IN they PP may MD be VB analyzed VVN to TO determine VV the DT degree NN to TO which WDT that DT community NN can MD be VB thought VVN of IN as IN an DT information NN or CC purely RB social JJ environment NN for IN its PP$ participants NNS . SENT This DT study NN is VBZ the DT first JJ in IN a DT series NN to TO apply VV the DT typology NN to TO specific JJ virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT thus RB , , our PP$ primary JJ focus NN here RB is VBZ on IN the DT typology NN itself PP , , in IN an DT effort NN to TO assess VV its PP$ accuracy NN against IN the DT day NN to TO day NN interactions NNS to TO be VB found VVN in IN two CD online JJ communities NNS . SENT Through IN a DT comparison NN of IN these DT two CD communities NNS using VVG the DT typology NN , , we PP propose VVP revisions NNS to TO the DT typology NN which WDT will MD allow VV it PP to TO reflect VV more RBR accurately RB activities NNS found VVN within IN the DT communities NNS , , and CC propose VV further JJR research NN directions NNS . SENT A DT full JJ description NN of IN this DT typology NN may MD be VB found VVN in IN Burnett NP 2000 CD . SENT Table NN I PP provides VVZ a DT brief JJ outline NN of IN the DT typology NN and CC its PP$ categories NNS . SENT While IN , , as RB with IN other JJ typologies NNS , , this DT categorization NN of IN behaviors NNS in IN virtual JJ communities NNS presents VVZ a DT somewhat RB abstracted VVN and CC simplified VVN view NN of IN a DT complex JJ set NN of IN human JJ activities NNS , , its PP$ use NN can MD tell VV us PP a DT good JJ deal NN about IN the DT relationship NN between IN information NN and CC socializing VVG in IN online JJ environments NNS . SENT By IN developing VVG a DT structure NN through IN which WDT individual JJ posts NNS may MD be VB categorized VVN , , the DT typology NN provides VVZ a DT mechanism NN for IN analyzing VVG the DT extent NN to TO which WDT a DT virtual JJ community's NNS public JJ interactions NNS can MD be VB examined VVN to TO determine VV whether IN the DT exchange NN of IN messages NNS emphasizes VVZ the DT sharing NN of IN information NN or CC more RBR purely RB social JJ activities NNS . SENT As RB would MD be VB expected VVN in IN a DT situation NN in IN which WDT information NN is VBZ exchanged VVN informally RB as IN a DT part NN of IN normal JJ and CC ongoing JJ interactions NNS , , explicit JJ information NN exchange NN is VBZ only RB one CD kind NN of IN interaction NN in IN a DT virtual JJ community NN , , as IN it PP is VBZ in IN the DT real JJ world NN . SENT In IN other JJ words NNS , , although IN virtual JJ communities NNS include VVP activities NNS that WDT are VBP expressly RB aimed VVN at IN gathering NN , , sharing VVG , , or CC otherwise RB using VVG information NN , , it PP is VBZ not RB limited VVN to TO those DT types NNS of IN activities NNS c SYM . SENT f SYM . SENT Riva NP Galimberti NP , , 1998 CD . SENT Wellman NP , , Salaff NP , , Dimitrova NP , , 1996 CD . SENT Wellman NP Gulia NP , , 1999 CD . SENT Indeed RB , , as IN Wellman NP and CC Gulia NP 1999 CD , , p NN . SENT 172 CD have VHP argued VVN , , information NN is VBZ only RB one CD of IN many JJ social JJ resources NNS that WDT is VBZ exchanged VVN on IN the DT Net NN . SENT As IN group NN CMC NN environments NNS become VVP more RBR ubiquitous JJ in IN a DT wide JJ variety NN of IN contexts NNS , , including VVG education NN , , virtual JJ work NN , , and CC civic JJ participation NN , , among IN others NNS , , it PP becomes VVZ increasingly RB important JJ to TO understand VV how WRB people NNS behave VV and CC interact VV within IN those DT environments NNS . SENT Studies NNS such JJ as IN this DT will NN , , potentially RB , , have VHP important JJ implications NNS for IN improvements NNS in IN the DT design NN and CC management NN of IN virtual JJ communities NNS , , helping VVG them PP to TO become VV more RBR fully RB functional JJ and CC integrated JJ parts NNS of IN our PP$ social JJ , , informational JJ , , and CC work VV related JJ worlds NNS . SENT As IN the DT typology NN notes NNS , , not RB all DT virtual JJ community NN behaviors NNS are VBP part NN of IN the DT community's JJ interactions NNS . SENT Non JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS , , defined VVN as IN lurking VVG or CC simply RB reading VVG posts NNS without IN ever RB writing VVG one's NNS own JJ , , are VBP a DT significant JJ activity NN , , and CC lurkers NNS may MD be VB , , in IN fact NN , , the DT largest JJS single JJ group NN within IN any DT virtual JJ community NN Smith NP , , 1992 CD . SENT However RB , , they PP cannot NN be VB directly RB observed VVN , , and CC , , thus RB , , Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS , , both CC hostile JJ and CC collaborative JJ , , are VBP of IN particular JJ interest NN here RB . SENT Hostile JJ behaviors NNS , , which WDT have VHP received VVN considerable JJ attention NN in IN the DT research NN Kennedy NP , , 2000 CD . SENT Smith NP , , McLaughlin NP , , Osborne NP , , 1998 CD , , include VVP flames NNS , , trolling VVG , , spam NN , , and CC in IN extreme JJ cases NNS cyber NP rape NN . SENT The DT presence NN of IN such JJ behaviors NNS , , while IN they PP are VBP sometimes RB embraced VVN by IN specific JJ communities NNS , , 1 CD can MD reflect VV a DT range NN of IN situations NNS , , from IN momentary JJ anger NN or CC conflict NN between IN participants NNS , , through IN chronic JJ disagreements NNS or CC community NN wide JJ enmity NN , , to TO , , in IN extreme JJ cases NNS , , a DT community NN self NN destructing VVG from IN within IN through IN the DT weight NN of IN animosities NNS growing VVG from IN endless JJ flaming JJ . SENT Collaborative JJ behaviors NNS , , on IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , can MD be VB seen VVN as IN signs NNS of IN a DT healthy JJ , , or CC , , at IN least JJS , , functional JJ , , community NN and CC may MD , , as IN some DT researchers NNS argue VVP , , be VB more RBR common JJ than IN hostile JJ behaviors NNS such JJ as IN flaming VVG Lea NP , , O'Shea NP , , Fung NP , , Spears NP , , 1992 CD . SENT Rafaeli NP Sudweeks NP , , 1998 CD . SENT These DT behaviors NNS range VVP from IN informationally RB inconsequential JJ but CC socially RB important JJ activities NNS such JJ as IN the DT exchange NN of IN pleasantries NNS , , gossip NN , , and CC jokes NNS , , through IN active JJ emotional JJ support NN , , to TO more RBR explicitly RB information NN oriented JJ exchanges NNS , , including VVG announcements NNS , , queries NNS and CC requests NNS for IN information NN , , and CC replies VVZ to TO such JJ queries NNS and CC requests NNS . SENT The DT typology NN suggests VVZ that IN , , while IN each DT of IN these DT behaviors NNS will MD most RBS likely RB be VB found VVN across IN all DT virtual JJ communities NNS , , specific JJ communities NNS may MD vary VV widely RB in IN the DT particular JJ emphasis NN they PP place VVP on IN certain JJ types NNS of IN behaviors NNS . SENT such PDT a DT community NN specific JJ emphasis NN will MD be VB reflected VVN in IN the DT relative JJ frequency NN of IN those DT behaviors NNS . SENT The DT variance NN between IN communities NNS can MD provide VV a DT way NN to TO assess VV the DT small JJ worlds NNS of IN those DT communities NNS , , and CC to TO compare VV the DT differences NNS between IN their PP$ social JJ norms NNS and CC normative JJ information NN behaviors NNS Burnett NP , , Besant NP , , Chatman NP , , 2001 CD , , and CC can MD also RB allow VV us PP to TO determine VV the DT relationship NN between IN social JJ activities NNS , , play NN , , conflict NN , , and CC information NN exchange NN in IN virtual JJ communities NNS generally RB . SENT Thus RB , , while IN two CD virtual JJ communities NNS may MD be VB nominally RB focused VVN on IN the DT same JJ subject NN , , such JJ as IN , , for IN example NN , , a DT particular JJ genre NN of IN music NN , , they PP may MD differ VV radically RB in IN the DT amount NN of IN attention NN they PP give VVP to TO simple JJ social JJ pleasantries NNS or CC to TO the DT more RBR substantive JJ exchange NN of IN information NN related VVN to TO their PP$ area NN of IN interest NN . SENT Analysis NN of IN the DT differences NNS in IN types NNS of IN posts NNS across IN virtual JJ communities NNS may MD give VV us PP a DT mechanism NN through IN which WDT we PP can MD understand VV more RBR clearly RB the DT role NN that IN information NN and CC information NN behavior NN in IN particular JJ plays NNS in IN the DT social JJ environments NNS we PP call VVP virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT The DT current JJ study NN is VBZ the DT first JJ in IN a DT series NN designed VVN to TO apply VV the DT typology NN to TO specific JJ virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT Health NP Information NP and CC Support NN on IN Usenet NP The DT Internet NN is VBZ increasingly RB becoming VVG a DT channel NN both CC for IN information NN about IN health NN issues NNS and CC for IN geographically RB dispersed VVD social JJ support NN networks NNS for IN individuals NNS with IN a DT wide JJ range NN of IN health NN problems NNS , , as RB well RB as RB for IN any DT others NNS with IN an DT interest NN in IN those DT problems NNS Ferguson NP , , 1997 CD . SENT Indeed RB , , as RB recently RB as IN August NP , , 2001 CD , , Massachusetts NP General NP Hospital NP and CC Women's NP Hospital NP in IN Boston NP announced VVD that IN it PP was VBD creating VVG a DT web NN based VVN service NN through IN which WDT patients NNS could MD receive VV second JJ opinions NNS online JJ from IN participating VVG practitioners NNS Kowalczyk NP , , 2001 CD . SENT Along IN with IN such JJ increased JJ utilization NN of IN the DT Internet NN for IN health NN information NN and CC support NN , , there EX has VHZ also RB been VBN increased VVN concern NN regarding VVG the DT helpfulness NN and CC even RB the DT accuracy NN of IN health NN related VVN online JJ information NN sources NNS Preece NP , , 1999 CD . SENT In IN addition NN to TO the DT question NN of IN accuracy NN of IN information NN found VVN in IN these DT online JJ information NN sources NNS , , another DT source NN of IN concern NN is VBZ created VVN when WRB individuals NNS utilize VV these DT open JJ forums NNS to TO deliberately RB misrepresent VV information NN to TO mislead VV other JJ members NNS by IN pretending VVG to TO have VH the DT shared VVN illness NN with IN which WDT they PP are VBP not RB personally RB afflicted VVN . SENT They PP intentionally RB divert VVP the DT focus NN of IN the DT group NN upon IN themselves PP , , sharing VVG their PP$ feigned VVN battles NNS with IN the DT ailments NNS shared VVN by IN the DT group NN . SENT Unfortunately RB , , discovery NN of IN such JJ deception NN by IN the DT members NNS of IN the DT group NN can MD be VB devastating JJ to TO the DT point NN of IN eliciting VVG feelings NNS of IN being VBG violated VVN or CC raped VVN after IN having VHG placed VVN trust NN in IN the DT forum's JJ intruder NN . SENT It PP is VBZ for IN this DT reason NN that IN forum NN members NNS must MD balance VV feelings NNS of IN empathy NN with IN caution NN . SENT Participants NNS should MD be VB especially RB careful JJ about IN basing VVG their PP$ own JJ health NN care NN decisions NNS on IN uncorroborated JJ information NN supplied VVN in IN groups NNS Feldman NP , , 2000 CD . SENT The DT outlets NNS for IN health NN information NN and CC support NN on IN the DT Internet NN , , as RB might MD be VB expected VVN , , range NN from IN authorized JJ channels NNS such JJ as IN the DT second JJ opinion NN service NN , , cited VVD above RB to TO more JJR informal JJ forums NNS , , including VVG numerous JJ virtual JJ communities NNS related VVN to TO specific JJ health NN issues NNS . SENT For IN the DT current JJ study NN , , two CD Usenet NP newsgroups NNS were VBD chosen VVN , , both CC of IN which WDT were VBD established VVN to TO provide VV health NN information NN and CC emotional JJ support NN to TO participants NNS who WP were VBD suffering VVG from IN common JJ , , but CC very RB serious JJ , , illnesses NNS . SENT 2 CD Of IN these DT two CD newsgroups NNS , , one PP focuses VVZ on IN a DT life NN threatening VVG physical JJ illness NN , , while IN the DT other JJ is VBZ devoted VVN to TO a DT debilitating JJ emotional JJ disorder NN that WDT can MD sometimes RB become VV life NN threatening VVG if IN untreated JJ . SENT 3 CD Because IN both DT of IN these DT support NN communities NNS are VBP on IN Usenet NP , , they PP are VBP accessible JJ to TO anybody NN with IN Internet NN access NN and CC either DT newsreader NN software NN 4 CD or CC access NN to TO Web NP based VVN Usenet NP portals NNS such JJ as IN the DT Google NP search NN engine NN . SENT Neither CC of IN these DT newsgroups NNS is VBZ moderated VVN . SENT That DT is VBZ , , there EX is VBZ no DT individual NN in IN either DT group NN who WP takes VVZ responsibility NN for IN vetting VVG the DT posts NNS made VVN to TO the DT group NN . SENT as IN a DT result NN , , anybody NN may MD post VV anything NN he PP or CC she PP wishes VVZ to TO either DT group NN , , and CC both DT groups NNS rely VVP largely RB on IN the DT normative JJ processes NNS of IN their PP$ own JJ internal JJ social JJ norms NNS to TO define VV and CC enforce VV the DT acceptable JJ behavior NN of IN group NN members NNS Burnett NP et CC al NP . SENT , , 2001 CD . SENT The DT first JJ of IN these DT groups NNS has VHZ created VVN and CC maintains VVZ an DT extensive JJ FAQ NP Frequently RB Asked VVD Questions NNS document NN , , to TO which WDT participants NNS and CC newcomers NNS may MD refer VV both CC for IN information NN on IN the DT group's NN area NN of IN interest NN and CC or CC guidance NN on IN the DT norms NNS of IN expected VVN behavior NN in IN group NN interactions NNS . SENT The DT other JJ , , which WDT appears VVZ to TO be VB a DT spin NN off RP from IN a DT related JJ group NN , , has VHZ no DT FAQ NP of IN its PP$ own JJ . SENT Before IN our PP$ discussion NN of IN these DT two CD Usenet NP newsgroups NNS , , we PP review VVP the DT literature NN about IN health NN related JJ support NN groups NNS online JJ . SENT Literature NN Review NP . SENT Online JJ Support NN Groups NNS As IN Wellman NP and CC Gulia NP 1999 CD note NN , , there EX are VBP relatively RB few JJ full JJ ethnographic JJ studies NNS of IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT However RB , , as IN they PP suggest VVP , , virtual JJ communities NNS can MD open VV a DT door NN for IN people NNS who WP would MD not RB ordinarily RB reach VV out RP for IN help NN , , because IN they PP typically RB do VVP not RB limit VV their PP$ interactions NNS within IN specialized JJ or CC narrow JJ boundaries NNS , , but CC provide VV their PP$ participants NNS with IN the DT benefits NNS of IN both DT support NN groups NNS and CC information NN services NNS Wellman NP Gulia NP , , 1999 CD , , p NN . SENT 173 CD . SENT It PP should MD be VB noted VVN that IN the DT distinction NN between IN those DT who WP are VBP able JJ to TO reach VV out RP and CC those DT who WP may MD not RB readily RB seek VV help NN from IN strangers NNS is VBZ central JJ to TO the DT nature NN of IN the DT virtual JJ connectivity NN . SENT One CD of IN the DT empowering VVG features NNS of IN self NN help NN groups NNS is VBZ that IN members NNS experience NN autonomy NN , , control NN of IN the DT group NN , , and CC a DT sense NN that IN they PP are VBP experts NNS on IN their PP$ problem NN Humphries NP Rappaport NP , , 1994 CD , , p NN . SENT 219 CD . SENT The DT anonymity NN offered VVN to TO members NNS of IN these DT virtual JJ communities NNS can MD make VV it PP difficult JJ for IN researchers NNS to TO determine VV whether IN ethnicity NN or CC cultural JJ influences NNS contribute VVP to TO those DT who WP are VBP reaching VVG out RP . SENT A DT short JJ generation NN ago IN support NN groups NNS were VBD a DT rarity NN , , and CC support NN issues NNS were VBD dealt VVN with IN in IN the DT nuclear JJ or CC extended JJ family NN , , or CC perhaps RB the DT church NN . SENT The DT success NN of IN Alcoholics NNS Anonymous JJ in IN the DT early JJ twentieth JJ century NN led VVN to TO face VV to TO face VV groups NNS such JJ as IN Weight NP Watchers NNS and CC , , ultimately RB , , to TO a DT plethora NN of IN Twelve CD Step NN programs NNS based VVN on IN the DT AA NN structure NN , , dealing VVG with IN everything NN from IN overeating VVG to TO sexual JJ addiction NN . SENT Psychologists NNS discovered VVD the DT efficacy NN of IN group NN therapy NN in IN the DT mid JJ 20 CD th NN Century NN . SENT Given VVN such PDT a DT century NN long JJ trend NN , , the DT recent JJ evolution NN of IN self NN help NN communities NNS for IN those DT concerned VVN with IN either DT addictions NNS or CC health NN on IN the DT Internet NN is VBZ not RB a DT surprise NN . SENT Such JJ groups NNS , , which WDT are VBP , , typically RB , , populated VVN by IN individuals NNS in IN need NN of IN medical JJ support NN and CC advice NN arguably RB represent VVP a DT virtual JJ self NN healthcare NP revolution NN . SENT In IN an DT analysis NN of IN electronic JJ support NN groups NNS for IN recovering VVG addicts NNS , , King NP 1994 CD found VVD that IN there EX are VBP advantages NNS and CC disadvantages NNS to TO the DT sharing NN of IN recovery NN tools NNS and CC experiences NNS via IN these DT types NNS of IN support NN groups NNS . SENT Advantages NNS identified VVN were VBD the DT thoughtfulness NN of IN the DT replies NNS to TO issues NNS of IN the DT commonalities NNS of IN the DT recovering VVG addicts NNS . SENT Writing VVG in IN an DT electronic JJ forum NN provides VVZ an DT alternative NN to TO spoken VVN conversation NN where WRB the DT thoughts NNS of IN the DT addicts NNS can MD be VB formed VVN more RBR slowly RB and CC edited VVD more RBR carefully RB . SENT Experiences NNS and CC personal JJ accomplishments NNS expressed VVN in IN a DT written JJ form NN may MD allow VV the DT writer NN to TO express VV a DT message NN more RBR clearly RB and CC profoundly RB than IN a DT similar JJ message NN shared VVN in IN a DT face NN to TO face VV setting VVG King NP , , 1994 CD , , p NN . SENT 48 CD . SENT A DT study NN by IN Sparks NP 1992 CD , , p NN . SENT 62 CD found VVN that IN benefits NNS of IN recovering VVG addicts NNS use VVP of IN computer NN mediated VVD communication NN were VBD that IN they PP have VHP access NN to TO 24 CD hour NN availability NN , , selective JJ participation NN in IN entering VVG and CC responding VVG to TO messages NNS , , anonymity NN and CC privacy NN , , immediate JJ and CC or CC delayed VVN responding VVG , , and CC recording NN of IN transmissions NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ very RB different JJ from IN traditional JJ face NN to TO face VV support NN groups NNS where WRB members NNS typically RB share VV only RB once RB , , or CC not RB at IN all DT , , during IN the DT hour NN they PP are VBP together RB as IN a DT group NN . SENT In IN addition NN , , while IN users NNS may MD easily RB disguise VV themselves PP either RB by IN using VVG pseudonyms NNS or CC , , in IN extreme JJ cases NNS , , faking VVG illnesses NNS they PP do VVP not RB have VH , , especially RB on IN Usenet NP , , ongoing JJ text NN based VVN interactions NNS between IN a DT group NN of IN people NNS who WP become VVP known VVN to TO each DT other JJ over IN time NN can MD provide VV CMC NN support NN groups NNS with IN a DT strong JJ sense NN of IN presence NN . SENT These DT online JJ forums NNS , , each DT of IN which WDT is VBZ dedicated VVN to TO a DT single JJ health NN related JJ topic NN , , offer VVP technical JJ medical JJ information NN , , practical JJ advice NN on IN coping VVG , , emotional JJ support NN through IN a DT sense NN of IN virtual JJ presence NN , , and CC online JJ second JJ opinions NNS . SENT Finn NP 1999 CD , , in IN a DT study NN of IN online JJ self NN help NN groups NNS , , found VVN that IN such JJ groups NNS can MD provide VV many JJ of IN the DT processes NNS used VVN in IN face NN to TO face VV self NN help NN and CC mutual JJ aid NN groups NNS , , with IN an DT emphasis NN on IN mutual JJ problem NN solving VVG , , information NN sharing NN , , expression NN of IN feelings NNS , , catharsis NN , , and CC mutual JJ support NN and CC empathy NN . SENT Moreover RB , , they PP can MD encourage VV patients NNS to TO take VV an DT extremely RB responsible JJ role NN in IN their PP$ own JJ care NN . SENT Most JJS of IN these DT support NN communities NNS are VBP available JJ to TO anybody NN who WP has VHZ a DT home NN computer NN and CC a DT modem NN , , are VBP often RB free JJ , , and CC sometimes RB feature VV volunteer NN health NN professionals NNS who WP are VBP experts NNS on IN the DT condition NN in IN question NN Ferguson NP , , 1997 CD . SENT Culver NP , , Gerr NP , , and CC Frumkin NP 1997 CD examined VVD concern NN about IN the DT accuracy NN of IN information NN shared VVN in IN medical JJ support NN groups NNS . SENT The DT goal NN of IN their PP$ study NN was VBD to TO assess VV medical JJ information NN provided VVN in IN a DT medically RB oriented VVN Internet NN discussion NN group NN , , in IN terms NNS of IN the DT professional JJ status NN of IN the DT individuals NNS providing VVG information NN , , the DT consistency NN of IN the DT information NN with IN standard JJ medical JJ practice NN , , and CC the DT nature NN of IN the DT evidence NN cited VVD in IN support NN of IN specific JJ claims NNS or CC recommendations NNS . SENT Their PP$ findings NNS indicated VVD that DT medical JJ information NN available JJ on IN Internet NN discussion NN groups NNS may MD come VV from IN nonprofessionals NNS and CC may MD be VB unconventional JJ , , based VVN on IN limited JJ evidence NN , , and CC or CC inappropriate JJ . SENT While IN issues NNS related VVN to TO the DT trust NN of IN participants NNS in IN information NN providers NNS and CC to TO the DT accuracy NN of IN information NN provided VVN in IN an DT online JJ environment NN is VBZ important JJ , , it PP is VBZ beyond IN the DT scope NN of IN this DT article NN . SENT Lebow NP 1998 CD shares NNS a DT similar JJ view NN of IN online JJ medical JJ support NN groups NNS , , stating VVG that IN although IN marriage NN and CC family NN therapists NNS should MD be VB aware JJ that IN chat VV groups NNS and CC newsgroups NNS are VBP not RB a DT substitute NN for IN therapy NN , , they PP should MD understand VV this DT territory NN and CC provide VV guidance NN to TO those DT who WP use VVP the DT resources NNS . SENT Lebow NP further RBR suggests VVZ that IN the DT Internet NN can MD serve VV as IN an DT adjunct NN to TO marriage NN and CC family NN therapy NN if IN carefully RB moderated VVN . SENT Schmetzke NP 1996 CD , , in IN an DT examination NN of IN online JJ resources NNS including VVG e NN mail NN , , mailing VVG lists NNS , , newsgroups NNS , , Gopher NN sites NNS , , and CC the DT World NP Wide NP Web NP , , found VVD electronic JJ discussion NN groups NNS to TO be VB the DT most RBS important JJ resource NN . SENT Unlike IN Gopher NN and CC the DT WWW NP resources NNS , , electronic JJ discussion NN groups NNS , , which WDT include VVP e NN mail NN based VVN discussion NN forums NNS and CC Usenet NN newsgroups NNS , , are VBP not RB limited VVN to TO the DT distribution NN of IN information NN and CC permit VV an DT intensity NN of IN personal JJ support NN unmatched JJ by IN any DT other JJ Internet NN application NN . SENT Madara NP 1997 NP concurs VVZ , , suggesting VVG that IN , , although IN most RBS mutual JJ aid NN groups NNS still RB offer VVP help NN through IN face NN to TO face VV groups NNS , , an DT increasing VVG number NN of IN people NNS find VVP it PP easier JJR and CC more RBR convenient JJ to TO have VH their PP$ needs NNS met VVN through IN participation NN in IN online JJ support NN networks NNS . SENT He PP contends VVZ that IN there EX has VHZ been VBN a DT dramatic JJ increase NN in IN the DT volume NN of IN online JJ mutual JJ help NN networks NNS and CC people NNS taking VVG part NN in IN online JJ groups NNS , , and CC attributes VVZ this DT growth NN in IN online JJ groups NNS to TO the DT fact NN that IN such JJ groups NNS are VBP satisfying VVG needs NNS not RB often RB met VVN in IN face NN to TO face VV groups NNS . SENT Indeed RB , , this DT suggests VVZ that IN CMC NN environments NNS may MD be VB more RBR important JJ for IN the DT social JJ and CC emotional JJ benefits NNS users NNS find VVP there RB than IN for IN whatever WDT informational JJ role NN they PP may MD play VV . SENT Content JJ analysis NN has VHZ been VBN found VVN to TO be VB an DT appropriate JJ methodology NN for IN the DT study NN of IN online JJ support NN groups NNS . SENT Drawing VVG a DT sample NN from IN 27 CD online JJ discussion NN groups NNS both CC on IN the DT Internet NN and CC commercial JJ services NNS such JJ as IN CompuServ NP , , Savicki NP , , Lingenfelter NP , , and CC Kelley NP 1996 CD coded VVN 2692 CD messages NNS for IN language NN content NN , , using VVG a DT modified JJ version NN of IN the DT ProjectH NP Codebook NP Rafaeli NP Sudweeks NP , , 1998 CD . SENT The DT typology NN developed VVN by IN Savicki NP et CC al NP . SENT based VVN on IN the DT ProjectH NP Codebook NP differs VVZ from IN the DT typology NN used VVN in IN the DT current JJ study NN , , and CC includes VVZ the DT following VVG items NNS . SENT Verbal JJ self NN disclosure NN , , or CC statements NNS by IN the DT writer NN of IN a DT post NN about IN himself PP or CC herself PP . SENT Statements NNS of IN opinion NN . SENT Apologies NNS . SENT Questions NNS . SENT Challenges NNS , , including VVG dares NNS and CC bets NNS . SENT Statements NNS of IN agreement NN or CC disagreement NN with IN earlier JJR posts NNS . SENT The DT use NN of IN the DT first JJ person NN plural NN to TO refer VV to TO others NNS in IN the DT group NN . SENT Flames NNS , , including VVG not RB only RB the DT levels NNS of IN argumentativeness NN , , but CC also RB the DT use NN of IN coarse JJ or CC abusive JJ ad NN hominem NN or CC content JJ focused JJ language NN , , as RB well RB as IN efforts NNS to TO calm VV tensions NNS or CC arguments NNS . SENT Statements NNS identifying VVG the DT personal JJ status NN of IN the DT author NN . SENT Although IN the DT work NN by IN Savicki NP et CC al NP . SENT focuses VVZ on IN gender NN language NN style NN and CC group NN composition NN in IN Internet NN discussion NN groups NNS both CC issues NNS beyond IN the DT scope NN of IN the DT current JJ study NN , , their PP$ typology NN has VHZ interesting JJ implications NNS for IN the DT study NN of IN information NN exchange NN in IN medical JJ support NN groups NNS . SENT It PP may MD be VB that IN a DT single JJ typology NN may MD not RB be VB appropriate JJ for IN evaluating VVG all DT discussion NN groups NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , the DT groups NNS studied VVN for IN this DT report NN did VVD exchange NN many JJ of IN the DT types NNS of IN messages NNS identified VVN by IN Savicki NP et NP . SENT al NP . SENT 1996 CD , , as RB well RB as IN other JJ types NNS that WDT are VBP not RB included VVN in IN their PP$ work NN . SENT Comparative JJ analysis NN of IN multiple JJ typologies NNS may MD lead VV to TO further JJR insights NNS into IN the DT workings NNS of IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT In IN the DT content JJ analysis NN of IN an DT online JJ cancer NN support NN group NN , , Klemm NP , , Hurst NP , , Dearholt NP , , and CC Trone NP 1999 CD identified VVD an DT alternative JJ typology NN , , which WDT includes VVZ the DT following VVG categories NNS . SENT Information NN giving VVG and CC seeking VVG . SENT Statements NNS of IN encouragement NN and CC support NN . SENT Statements NNS of IN personal JJ opinion NN . SENT Statements NNS of IN personal JJ experience NN . SENT In IN the DT study NN by IN Klemm NP et CC al NP . SENT , , these DT four CD categories NNS accounted VVD for IN approximately RB 80 CD of IN responses NNS across IN groups NNS . SENT Groups NNS did VVD differ VV , , however RB , , in IN the DT emphasis NN they PP gave VVD to TO these DT categories NNS , , with IN one CD mostly RB male JJ group NN focusing VVG primarily RB on IN the DT exchange NN of IN information NN and CC another DT mostly RB female JJ focusing VVG strongly RB on IN encouragement NN and CC support NN . SENT Rafaeli NP and CC Sudweeks NP 1998 CD , , developing VVG a DT theory NN of IN interactivity NN , , argued VVN that IN studying VVG threads NNS or CC chains NNS of IN interrelated VVN and CC interdependent JJ messages NNS can MD provide VV a DT representative JJ snapshot NN of IN communication NN in IN virtual JJ communities NNS online JJ . SENT By IN examining VVG threads NNS instead RB of IN individual JJ messages NNS , , they PP found VVD that IN the DT content NN on IN the DT net NN is VBZ less RBR confrontational JJ than IN is VBZ popularly RB believed VVN . SENT conversations NNS are VBP more RBR helpful JJ and CC social JJ than IN competitive JJ . SENT Interactive JJ messages NNS seem VVP to TO be VB more RBR humorous JJ , , contain VV more JJR self NN disclosure NN , , display VVP a DT higher JJR preference NN for IN agreement NN and CC contain VV many JJ more RBR first JJ person NN plural NN pronouns NNS . SENT As RB will MD be VB seen VVN , , this DT is VBZ clearly RB the DT case NN in IN one CD of IN the DT two CD groups NNS discussed VVN in IN the DT current JJ study NN . SENT Categorization NN of IN Newsgroup NP Posts VVZ For IN this DT study NN , , we PP examined VVD two CD health NN related VVN Usenet NP newsgroups NNS for IN a DT period NN of IN one CD month NN . SENT During IN this DT time NN , , both CC groups NNS displayed VVD slow JJ but CC steady JJ traffic NN , , with IN the DT number NN of IN posts NNS ranging VVG from IN slightly RB more JJR than IN 20 CD per IN day NN for IN one CD group NN to TO slightly RB fewer JJR than IN 40 CD for IN the DT other JJ . SENT 5 LS To TO gather VV posts NNS for IN analysis NN , , we PP used VVD the DT Web NP based VVN newsreader NN provided VVN by IN the DT Google NP search NN engine NN http NN . SENT groups NNS . SENT google NN . SENT com NN . SENT Because IN of IN the DT ways NNS in IN which WDT posts NNS to TO Usenet NP newsgroups NNS are VBP distributed VVN forwarded VVN from IN server NN to TO server NN around IN the DT world NN , , rather RB than IN being VBG sent VVN to TO individual JJ email NP accounts NNS , , a DT number NN of IN posts NNS appeared VVD more RBR than IN once RB on IN the DT Google NP server NN . SENT these DT posts NNS were VBD removed VVN prior RB to TO our PP$ analysis NN . SENT Because IN the DT typology NN suggests VVZ that DT participants NNS behavior NN is VBZ to TO be VB seen VVN in IN their PP$ posts NNS to TO the DT community NN as IN a DT whole NN , , our PP$ unit NN of IN analysis NN , , for IN gathering NN data NNS , , was VBD the DT individual JJ post NN itself PP . SENT Each DT post NN was VBD examined VVN by IN a DT research NN assistant NN , , coded VVN according VVG to TO the DT terminology NN of IN the DT typology NN , , and CC placed VVD into IN one CD of IN the DT categories NNS . SENT A DT random JJ sample NN of IN posts NNS were VBD further RBR examined VVN by IN both DT authors NNS to TO confirm VV the DT accuracy NN of IN coding VVG . SENT all DT posts NNS that WDT were VBD found VVN by IN the DT research NN assistant NN to TO be VB ambiguous JJ , , to TO fit VV into IN multiple JJ categories NNS , , or CC to TO fall VV outside IN of IN the DT typology's NNS categories NNS were VBD further RBR examined VVN and CC discussed VVN by IN both DT authors NNS . SENT Because IN a DT significant JJ number NN of IN posts NNS were VBD found VVN that WDT did VVD not RB fit VV easily RB into IN the DT typology NN , , two CD new JJ categories NNS were VBD added VVN during IN the DT analysis NN , , as RB follows VVZ . SENT The DT original JJ typology NN , , while IN it PP does VVZ account NN for IN queries NNS to TO the DT community NN , , does VVZ not RB contain VV a DT category NN for IN responses NNS to TO those DT queries NNS . SENT Thus RB , , a DT category NN was VBD added VVN for IN such JJ posts NNS . SENT A DT category NN to TO account VV for IN Responses NNS to TO Flames NNS was VBD added VVN . SENT Posts NNS placed VVN into IN this DT category NN responded VVD directly RB to TO Hostile JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS such JJ as IN Flames NNS and CC Trolls NNS , , without IN themselves PP becoming VVG Flames NNS . SENT Table NN II NP presents VVZ these DT new JJ categories NNS under IN the DT heading VVG of IN Posts VVZ Undefined JJ in IN Original JJ Typology NN . SENT The DT implications NNS of IN these DT additions NNS , , and CC a DT couple NN of IN others NNS , , will MD be VB discussed VVN in IN the DT following VVG section NN . SENT Our PP$ analysis NN of IN the DT activities NNS within IN the DT two CD newsgroups NNS here RB limits VVZ itself PP to TO an DT examination NN of IN the DT cumulative JJ results NNS of IN this DT classification NN . SENT That DT is VBZ , , here RB we PP do VVP not RB directly RB examine VV individual JJ posts NNS , , but CC only RB the DT total JJ number NN of IN posts NNS made VVN in IN each DT category NN . SENT In IN this DT section NN , , we PP discuss VVP the DT general JJ outcomes NNS of IN this DT analysis NN , , disregarding VVG ambiguities NNS and CC other JJ subtleties NNS that WDT were VBD discovered VVN during IN our PP$ analysis NN . SENT We PP discuss VVP these DT issues NNS in IN the DT next JJ section NN , , together RB with IN suggested VVN changes NNS to TO the DT typology NN to TO reflect VV such JJ subtleties NNS . SENT Table NN 2 CD summarizes VVZ our PP$ categorization NN of IN posts NNS made VVN to TO the DT two CD newsgroups NNS . SENT In IN this DT discussion NN , , Group NP A NP refers VVZ to TO the DT newsgroup NN focused VVN on IN a DT life NN threatening VVG illness NN , , and CC Group NP B NP refers VVZ to TO the DT newsgroup NN focused VVN on IN an DT emotional JJ disorder NN . SENT In IN addition NN to TO simply RB reporting VVG the DT numbers NNS , , we PP provide VVP some DT commentary NN and CC speculation NN regarding VVG the DT implications NNS of IN our PP$ categorizations NNS . SENT Message NN Type NN Postings NNS Group NP A NP Postings NNS Group NP B NP Hostile JJ Interactive NP Activities NNS Flaming NP 3 CD 0 CD . SENT 26 CD 61 CD 9 CD . SENT 53 CD Trolling VVG 8 CD 0 CD . SENT 70 CD 73 CD 11 CD . SENT 41 CD Spamming NP 3 CD 0 CD . SENT 26 CD 35 CD 5 CD . SENT 47 CD Cyber NP rape NN 0 CD 0 CD . SENT 00 CD 1 CD 0 CD . SENT 16 CD Collaborative JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS . SENT Non JJ Informational JJ Neutral JJ 330 CD 28 CD . SENT 87 CD 68 CD 10 CD . SENT 63 CD Humorous JJ 40 CD 3 CD . SENT 50 CD 37 CD 5 CD . SENT 78 CD Emotional JJ 85 CD 7 CD . SENT 44 CD 36 CD 5 CD . SENT 63 CD Collaborative JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS . SENT Informational JJ Announcements NNS 109 CD 9 CD . SENT 54 CD 69 CD 10 CD . SENT 78 CD Queries NP 93 CD 8 CD . SENT 14 CD 24 CD 3 CD . SENT 75 CD Group NP Projects NPS 20 CD 1 CD . SENT 75 CD 0 CD 0 CD . SENT 00 CD Posts VVZ Undefined JJ in IN Original JJ Typology NN Responses NNS to TO Flaming NP 0 CD 0 CD . SENT 00 CD 96 CD 15 CD . SENT 00 CD Responses NNS to TO Queries NP 452 CD 39 CD . SENT 55 CD 140 CD 21 CD . SENT 88 CD TOTAL NN 1143 CD 100 CD . SENT 00 CD 640 CD 100 CD . SENT 00 CD Table NN 2 CD . SENT Newsgroup NN posts NNS categorized VVN according VVG to TO typology NN . SENT Hostile JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS Hostile JJ Interactive NP Behaviors NNS flames NNS , , trolls NNS , , spam NN , , and CC cyber NP rape NN are VBP those DT behaviors NNS which WDT do VVP suggest VV interaction NN between IN members NNS of IN the DT virtual JJ community NN , , but CC which WDT emphasize VVP overt JJ aggression NN and CC conflict NN rather RB than IN either DT congeniality NN or CC the DT social JJ exchange NN of IN information NN . SENT The DT two CD groups NNS , , clearly RB , , varied VVD radically RB in IN terms NNS of IN their PP$ tendencies NNS to TO engage VV in IN such JJ interpersonal JJ sniping NN and CC hostile JJ interactions NNS . SENT Given VVN the DT subject JJ focus NN of IN the DT two CD groups NNS , , such JJ discrepancy NN seems VVZ to TO be VB predictable JJ . SENT The DT group NN brought VVD together RB by IN a DT shared VVN interest NN in IN a DT serious JJ issue NN of IN physical JJ health NN tends VVZ to TO avoid VV flames NNS almost RB entirely RB , , with IN only RB slightly RB more JJR than IN one CD percent NN of IN all DT posts NNS showing VVG characteristics NNS of IN flames NNS , , and CC no DT posts NNS at IN all DT responding VVG to TO those DT posts NNS . SENT On IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , the DT group NN discussing VVG an DT emotional JJ disorder NN seems VVZ , , by IN comparison NN , , to TO have VH chosen VVN flaming JJ as IN one CD of IN its PP$ predominant JJ activities NNS , , with IN more JJR than IN 41 CD of IN all DT posts NNS being VBG categorized VVN either RB as IN being VBG hostile JJ , , as IN responses NNS to TO such JJ hostility NN , , or CC spam NN . SENT Indeed RB , , in IN this DT group NN , , one CD post NN was VBD overtly RB violent JJ and CC sexually RB explicit JJ to TO the DT point NN of IN being VBG a DT cyber NP rape NN . SENT On IN the DT basis NN of IN their PP$ differences NNS in IN engaging VVG in RP and CC supporting VVG hostile JJ interactions NNS , , the DT two CD groups NNS can MD , , thus RB , , be VB defined VVN as IN quite RB different JJ environments NNS , , with IN one CD being VBG much JJ more RBR congenial JJ and CC supportive JJ than IN the DT other JJ . SENT Our PP$ analysis NN of IN posts NNS in IN other JJ categories NNS supports VVZ this DT conclusion NN . SENT Collaborative JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS . SENT Non JJ Informational JJ Collaborative JJ interaction NN that WDT is VBZ not RB explicitly RB informational JJ in IN nature NN includes VVZ not RB only RB neutral JJ small JJ talk NN , , but CC also RB the DT exchange NN of IN jokes NNS and CC , , significantly RB , , expressions NNS of IN emotional JJ support NN . SENT Thus RB , , it PP might MD be VB expected VVN that IN groups NNS that WDT are VBP primarily RB social JJ environments NNS , , rather RB than IN forums NNS for IN information NN exchange NN , , would MD emphasize VV such JJ chit NN chat VV and CC socio VV emotional JJ interactions NNS . SENT Not RB surprisingly RB given VVN their PP$ differences NNS in IN hostile JJ behaviors NNS , , the DT two CD groups NNS also RB showed VVD major JJ differences NNS in IN more JJR positive JJ social JJ interactions NNS . SENT Group NP A NP , , facing VVG the DT travails NNS of IN serious JJ physical JJ illness NN , , engages VVZ in IN purely RB social JJ interactions NNS in IN almost RB 40 CD of IN its PP$ posts NNS , , while IN Group NP B NP does VVZ so RB in IN only RB slightly RB more JJR than IN 22 CD of IN its PP$ posts NNS . SENT Both DT groups NNS make VVP substantial JJ numbers NNS of IN small JJ talk NN or CC neutral JJ posts NNS almost RB 29 CD for IN Group NP A NP , , compared VVN to TO almost RB 11 CD for IN Group NP B NP . SENT However RB , , Group NP A NP shows VVZ a DT preference NN for IN emotional JJ support NN over IN humor NN , , while IN Group NP B NP included VVD almost RB equal JJ numbers NNS of IN both DT . SENT Interestingly RB , , even RB though IN Group NP A NP made VVD more JJR than IN 500 CD more JJR total JJ posts NNS than IN Group NP B NP over IN the DT month NN of IN observation NN , , members NNS of IN Group NP B NP made VVD only RB three CD fewer JJR humorous JJ posts NNS than IN Group NP A NP during IN that DT time NN period NN . SENT Thus RB , , we PP would MD infer VV that IN Group NP B NP , , in IN addition NN to TO engaging VVG in IN a DT high JJ degree NN of IN conflict NN , , also RB values VVZ joking VVG . SENT indeed RB , , it PP may MD be VB that IN some DT of IN the DT posts NNS that WDT were VBD categorized VVN as IN flames NNS may MD have VH been VBN intended VVN humorously RB , , but CC were VBD not RB perceived VVN as IN such JJ by IN other JJ community NN members NNS , , and CC were VBD thus RB treated VVN as IN flames NNS . SENT Collaborative JJ Informational JJ Behaviors NNS . SENT Informational JJ As RB would MD be VB expected VVN from IN their PP$ differences NNS in IN other JJ categories NNS , , the DT two CD groups NNS also RB differed VVD significantly RB in IN terms NNS of IN their PP$ overtly RB information NN related JJ activities NNS , , with IN Group NP A DT spending NN almost RB 20 CD of IN its PP$ time NN explicitly RB exchanging VVG information NN , , compared VVN to TO Group NP B NP , , which WDT spent VVD only RB approximately RB 14 CD of IN its PP$ time NN in IN such JJ activities NNS . SENT Both DT groups NNS emphasized VVD the DT making NN of IN announcements NNS in IN their PP$ information NN activities NNS . SENT However RB , , Group NP A NP demonstrated VVD a DT community NN oriented JJ approach NN to TO information NN activities NNS , , with IN a DT small JJ but CC important JJ number NN of IN their PP$ posts NNS 20 CD posts NNS , , 1 CD . SENT 75 CD of IN the DT total NN clearly RB being VBG made VVN as IN parts NNS of IN ongoing JJ group NN projects NNS , , as IN a DT way NN of IN building VVG the DT community's JJ information NN resources NNS collaboratively RB . SENT When WRB categorized VVN according VVG to TO the DT original JJ typology NN , , the DT posts NNS made VVD to TO Group NP A NP tend VVP to TO suggest VV that IN this DT virtual JJ community NN is VBZ primarily RB oriented VVN toward IN socializing VVG rather RB than IN the DT exchange NN of IN information NN . SENT However RB , , when WRB a DT category NN is VBZ added VVN to TO the DT typology NN to TO include VV responses NNS to TO information NN queries NNS , , an DT important JJ trend NN emerges VVZ , , since IN nearly RB 40 CD of IN all DT posts NNS to TO Group NP A DT fall NN into IN this DT category NN . SENT When WRB these DT posts NNS are VBP included VVN , , it PP becomes VVZ clear JJ that IN Group NP A DT centers NNS around IN the DT exchange NN of IN information NN , , with IN almost RB 60 CD of IN all DT posts NNS being VBG directly RB related VVN to TO overtly RB information NN related JJ activities NNS . SENT Thus RB , , Group NP A NP can MD , , we PP infer VV , , be VB described VVN as IN a DT virtual JJ community NN that WDT is VBZ very RB strongly RB oriented VVN toward IN the DT exchange NN of IN information NN , , with IN a DT very RB significant JJ component NN of IN primarily RB social JJ activities NNS supporting VVG it PP . SENT The DT addition NN of IN a DT category NN for IN responses NNS to TO queries NNS also RB makes VVZ a DT difference NN in IN the DT appearance NN of IN Group NP B NP . SENT When WRB such JJ responses NNS are VBP added VVN to TO the DT fairly RB small JJ number NN of IN other JJ information NN related VVN activities NNS , , it PP also RB can MD be VB seen VVN as IN a DT community NN with IN a DT much RB stronger JJR orientation NN toward IN the DT exchange NN of IN information NN than IN it PP might MD otherwise RB seem VV , , with IN more JJR than IN 36 CD of IN all DT posts NNS being VBG directly RB related VVN to TO such JJ activities NNS . SENT However RB , , because IN of IN its PP$ clear JJ preference NN for IN hostile JJ interactions NNS , , Group NP B NP can MD be VB generally RB described VVN as IN a DT virtual JJ community NN oriented VVN toward IN conflict NN , , with IN subordinate JJ but CC still RB substantial JJ interests NNS in IN more JJR positive JJ social JJ activities NNS and CC the DT exchange NN of IN information NN . SENT The DT typology NN , , as RB currently RB configured VVN , , counts VVZ all DT queries NNS that WDT are VBP posted VVN to TO the DT community NN in IN the DT same JJ way NN . SENT However RB , , in IN our PP$ analysis NN of IN the DT posts NNS made VVN to TO the DT two CD newsgroups NNS , , it PP was VBD found VVN that IN a DT significant JJ number NN of IN queries NNS posted VVD to TO the DT groups NNS were VBD explicitly RB directed VVN by IN their PP$ authors NNS to TO specific JJ individuals NNS within IN the DT group NN rather RB than IN to TO the DT group NN as IN a DT whole NN . SENT While IN the DT current JJ typology NN does VVZ not RB reflect VV this DT distinction NN , , the DT typology NN should MD be VB revised VVN accordingly RB . SENT Implications NNS and CC Revisions NNS to TO the DT Typology NN This DT project NN began VVD as IN a DT test NN of IN Burnett's NP 2000 CD typology NN of IN information NN exchange NN in IN virtual JJ communities NNS , , which WDT was VBD developed VVN based VVN on IN existing VVG research NN in IN the DT virtual JJ community NN literature NN and CC general JJ observations NNS of IN virtual JJ communities NNS , , using VVG it PP to TO analyze VV the DT interactions NNS within IN specific JJ online JJ communities NNS . SENT Through IN this DT process NN , , we PP hoped VVD not RB only RB to TO come VV to TO some DT understanding NN about IN information NN related VVN interactions NNS within IN two CD newsgroups NNS , , but CC also RB to TO assess VV the DT accuracy NN of IN the DT typology NN against IN the DT actuality NN of IN these DT specific JJ virtual JJ communities NNS , , and CC , , thus RB , , to TO determine VV ways NNS in IN which WDT the DT typology NN might MD need VV revision NN . SENT Ultimately RB , , our PP$ goal NN is VBZ to TO be VB able JJ to TO use VV the DT typology NN to TO further VV our PP$ understanding NN of IN the DT nature NN of IN virtual JJ communities NNS as IN social JJ information NN environments NNS . SENT Although IN we PP found VVD that IN , , in IN general NN , , the DT typology NN adequately RB accounted VVD for IN the DT different JJ types NNS of IN posts NNS to TO be VB found VVN within IN the DT two CD newsgroups NNS , , three CD areas NNS of IN concern NN did VVD emerge VV in IN our PP$ analysis NN . SENT Category NN Limits NNS and CC Ambiguities NNS . SENT The DT Temporal JJ Dimension NN . SENT And CC Definitional JJ Limits NNS . SENT While IN none NN of IN these DT issues NNS threatens VVZ to TO wholly RB undercut VV the DT usefulness NN of IN the DT typology NN , , the DT challenges NNS they PP pose VVP must MD be VB met VVN with IN revisions NNS in IN the DT typology NN if IN it PP is VBZ to TO reflect VV accurately RB the DT function NN of IN information NN behavior NN within IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT We PP will MD discuss VV each DT of IN the DT issues NNS in IN turn NN . SENT Category NN Limits NNS and CC Ambiguities NNS In IN our PP$ analysis NN of IN the DT two CD newsgroups NNS , , it PP was VBD found VVN that IN almost RB all DT posts NNS were VBD easily RB placed VVN into IN the DT categories NNS outlined VVN in IN the DT typology NN . SENT However RB , , two CD categories NNS , , announcements NNS and CC spam NN , , proved VVD to TO be VB difficult JJ to TO distinguish VV in IN all DT cases NNS , , and CC another DT , , flames NNS , , also RB proved VVN to TO be VB problematic JJ in IN unforeseen JJ ways NNS . SENT Announcements NNS and CC Spam NN In IN our PP$ analysis NN of IN the DT two CD newsgroups NNS , , we PP found VVD that DT posts NNS we PP have VHP classified VVN as IN announcements NNS in IN fact NN contained VVD two CD quite RB different JJ types NNS of IN information NN and CC , , thus RB , , played VVD very RB different JJ roles NNS as IN mechanisms NNS for IN the DT exchange NN of IN information NN within IN the DT communities NNS . SENT Thus RB , , the DT announcements NNS category NN of IN the DT typology NN should MD be VB sub NN divided VVN to TO contain VV the DT following VVG two CD types NNS of IN announcements NNS . SENT Pointers NNS to TO outside JJ information NN resources NNS or CC events NNS of IN potential JJ interest NN to TO the DT community NN . SENT These DT posts NNS function VVP as IN the DT virtual JJ equivalent NN of IN flyers NNS posted VVD on IN a DT community NN bulletin NN board NN , , or CC other JJ types NNS of IN FYI NP announcements NNS . SENT Personal JJ updates NNS . SENT In IN the DT two CD newsgroups NNS we PP examined VVD , , these DT types NNS of IN posts NNS typically RB included VVD updates NNS on IN the DT health NN of IN the DT poster NN , , and CC were VBD made VVN to TO the DT community NN as IN a DT whole NN , , on IN the DT assumption NN that IN participants NNS would MD be VB interested VVN . SENT However RB , , a DT more RBR important JJ and CC challenging JJ issue NN related VVN to TO announcements NNS involves VVZ their PP$ unexpectedly RB ambiguous JJ relationship NN to TO spam NN . SENT As IN the DT typology NN suggests VVZ , , announcements NNS and CC spam NN may MD be VB distinguished VVN from IN each DT other JJ by IN the DT degree NN to TO which WDT they PP are VBP on IN topic NN . SENT Spam NN , , in IN the DT typology NN , , is VBZ defined VVN as IN being VBG unrelated JJ to TO the DT nominal JJ subject JJ interests NNS of IN the DT virtual JJ community NN , , while IN announcements NNS are VBP defined VVN as IN being VBG on IN topic NN , , or CC related VVN to TO those DT subject JJ interests NNS . SENT However RB , , as IN the DT typology NN further JJR notes NNS , , both CC types NNS of IN posts NNS expressly RB carry VVP information NN , , but CC , , while IN spam NN is VBZ always RB unsolicited JJ , , announcements NNS may MD be VB either RB solicited VVN or CC unsolicited JJ . SENT because IN of IN this DT , , announcements NNS are VBP , , in IN the DT two CD newsgroups NNS , , a DT gray JJ area NN for IN the DT typology NN . SENT Members NNS of IN the DT two CD virtual JJ communities NNS typically RB perceived VVN the DT posts NNS that IN we PP have VHP classified VVN as IN spam NN as IN unwelcome JJ intrusions NNS from IN outside NN . SENT In IN general NN , , this DT is VBZ because IN it PP , , like IN junk NN mail NN , , arrives VVZ unsought NNS , , and CC is VBZ often RB clearly RB off IN topic NN . SENT Thus RB , , spam NN itself PP rarely RB causes VVZ ambiguity NN for IN the DT typology NN . SENT Both DT informational JJ and CC personal JJ announcements NNS , , however RB , , although IN they PP are VBP made VVN by IN community NN members NNS , , may MD be VB either RB sought VVN or CC unsought NNS by IN other JJ participants NNS . SENT As IN a DT result NN , , announcements NNS , , even RB though IN they PP were VBD generated VVN from IN within IN the DT community NN and CC were VBD almost RB always RB clearly RB on IN topic NN for IN the DT newsgroup NN , , were VBD often RB treated VVN by IN participants NNS in IN the DT newsgroups NNS as RB if IN they PP were VBD spam NN . SENT Thus RB , , it PP was VBD difficult JJ to TO determine VV whether IN certain JJ posts NNS should MD be VB classified VVN as IN spam NN or CC as IN announcements NNS in IN the DT typology NN . SENT although IN the DT typology NN does VVZ make VV a DT clear JJ distinction NN between IN the DT two CD spam NN comes VVZ from IN outside IN the DT community NN , , and CC is VBZ often RB off IN topic NN , , while IN announcements NNS are VBP generated VVN by IN community NN members NNS , , and CC are VBP largely RB on IN topic NN they PP often RB , , in IN terms NNS both CC of IN the DT perceptions NNS of IN the DT community NN itself PP , , and CC of IN their PP$ impact NN on IN the DT community NN , , overlap VV , , and CC are VBP , , thus RB , , difficult JJ to TO tell VV apart RB . SENT That DT is VBZ , , simple JJ formal JJ characteristics NNS of IN posts NNS who WP presents VVZ them PP to TO the DT community NN and CC the DT degree NN to TO which WDT they PP appear VVP to TO be VB on IN task NN may MD not RB suffice VV for IN placing VVG them PP within IN the DT typology NN . SENT In IN such JJ cases NNS , , ultimately RB , , the DT meaning NN and CC social JJ role NN of IN such JJ posts NNS may MD be VB a DT function NN of IN the DT ways NNS in IN which WDT the DT community NN as IN a DT whole NN responds VVZ in IN subsequent JJ posts NNS . SENT It PP should MD be VB noted VVN that IN our PP$ interest NN here RB is VBZ not RB in IN how WRB participants NNS feel VVP about IN posts NNS outside JJ of IN their PP$ public JJ interactions NNS , , but CC rather RB in IN the DT characteristics NNS and CC implications NNS of IN the DT public JJ interactions NNS themselves PP . SENT thus RB , , our PP$ analyses NNS in IN all DT cases NNS limit VVP themselves PP to TO the DT evidence NN available JJ in IN the DT public JJ texts NNS of IN the DT communities NNS themselves PP . SENT To TO deal VV with IN this DT ambiguity NN in IN the DT current JJ study NN , , it PP was VBD decided VVN to TO simply RB classify VV posts NNS as IN spam NN or CC announcements NNS , , depending VVG on IN whether IN they PP were VBD made VVN by IN outsiders NNS or CC by IN members NNS of IN the DT community NN , , regardless RB of IN either CC the DT response NN they PP received VVD , , or CC the DT degree NN to TO which WDT they PP were VBD on IN topic NN . SENT While IN such PDT an DT arbitrary JJ distinction NN does VVZ clarify VV the DT difference NN between IN two CD quite RB different JJ types NNS of IN post NN and CC between IN two CD quite RB different JJ sources NNS of IN information NN , , further JJR revision NN to TO the DT typology NN is VBZ also RB needed VVN to TO deal VV with IN the DT ambiguous JJ role NN of IN announcements NNS in IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT However RB , , because IN the DT ambiguity NN of IN announcements NNS appears VVZ to TO be VB related VVN to TO the DT reception NN of IN such JJ announcements NNS by IN the DT community NN rather RB than IN something NN inherent JJ and CC easily RB identifiable JJ in IN the DT announcements NNS themselves PP , , it PP seems VVZ unlikely JJ that IN simply RB revising VVG the DT categories NNS of IN the DT typology NN could MD reflect VV the DT differing VVG roles NNS of IN announcements NNS adequately RB . SENT Thus RB , , the DT typology NN should MD be VB augmented VVN with IN further JJR descriptive JJ analysis NN , , which WDT can MD be VB used VVN not RB only RB to TO explain VV the DT choices NNS made VVN during IN the DT classification NN process NN , , but CC also RB to TO enhance VV the DT power NN of IN the DT typology NN to TO describe VV the DT precise JJ nature NN of IN information NN exchange NN within IN specific JJ communities NNS . SENT Flames NNS As IN a DT category NN in IN and CC of IN themselves PP , , flames NNS present VVP few JJ problems NNS , , although IN the DT kind NN of IN post NN that WDT is VBZ perceived VVN as IN a DT flame NN can MD vary VV from IN community NN to TO community NN . SENT However RB , , in IN both DT newsgroups NNS and CC in IN other JJ virtual JJ communities NNS we PP have VHP observed VVN , , flames NNS almost RB inevitably RB lead VV to TO numerous JJ responses NNS , , some DT of IN which WDT are VBP , , themselves PP , , flames NNS , , some DT of IN which WDT are VBP exhortations NNS to TO avoid VV a DT flame NN war NN by IN ignoring VVG the DT flamer NN , , and CC some DT of IN which WDT answer NN the DT flame NN in IN some DT other JJ way NN altogether RB . SENT While IN many JJ responses NNS to TO a DT flame NN can MD be VB coded VVN appropriately RB , , according VVG to TO their PP$ actual JJ content NN for IN example NN , , a DT flaming JJ response NN is VBZ , , itself PP , , a DT flame NN , , many JJ others NNS do VVP not RB fit VV easily RB within IN the DT typology NN as IN it PP is VBZ currently RB constituted VVD . SENT What WP , , for IN instance NN , , is VBZ to TO be VB done VVN with IN a DT response NN that WDT , , avoiding VVG the DT kinds NNS of IN inflammatory JJ and CC ad NN hominem NN language NN typical JJ of IN a DT flame NN , , suggest VVP that IN the DT flamer NN be VB ignored VVN . SENT Or CC , , similarly RB , , what WP is VBZ to TO be VB done VVN with IN a DT response NN that WDT , , while IN clearly RB not RB a DT flame NN , , addresses NNS whatever WDT substantive JJ issues NNS may MD have VH been VBN raised VVN in IN the DT flame NN . SENT In IN order NN to TO deal VV with IN such JJ posts NNS during IN our PP$ analysis NN , , we PP created VVD a DT new JJ category NN for IN responses NNS to TO flames NNS that WDT did VVD not RB , , themselves PP , , either CC become VV flames NNS or CC fit VV easily RB into IN another DT category NN . SENT As RB with IN announcements NNS , , the DT addition NN of IN this DT category NN can MD be VB enhanced VVN by IN further JJR descriptive JJ analysis NN , , which WDT can MD give VV some DT additional JJ context NN to TO aid VV in IN understanding VVG the DT character NN of IN the DT interaction NN . SENT The DT Temporal JJ Dimension NN As IN with IN the DT questions NNS raised VVN above IN concerning VVG the DT role NN of IN announcements NNS and CC responses NNS to TO flames NNS , , an DT analysis NN of IN individual JJ posts NNS removed VVN from IN the DT context NN of IN the DT ongoing JJ discussions NNS of IN which WDT they PP are VBP a DT part NN tells VVZ only JJ part NN of IN the DT story NN of IN a DT virtual JJ community NN . SENT Indeed RB , , all DT posts NNS made VVN to TO a DT community NN are VBP subject JJ to TO interpretation NN by IN that DT community NN , , and CC the DT social JJ meaning NN of IN any DT post NN is VBZ often RB at IN least JJS as IN much RB a DT matter NN of IN its PP$ reception NN and CC the DT details NNS of IN the DT interpretations NNS given VVN it PP as IN it PP is VBZ of IN any DT meaning NN inherent JJ in IN its PP$ text NN . SENT As IN any DT online JJ discussion NN continues VVZ through IN time NN , , the DT meaning NN of IN the DT posts NNS that WDT began VVD it PP are VBP irreducibly RB mediated VVN both CC by IN the DT memories NNS of IN the DT participants NNS and CC , , more RBR importantly RB , , by IN the DT posts NNS that WDT have VHP followed VVN , , which WDT subtly RB but CC powerfully RB alter VV and CC revise VV its PP$ place NN and CC meaning NN in IN the DT social JJ world NN of IN the DT community NN . SENT As IN Rafaeli NP and CC Sudweeks NP 1998 CD note NN , , the DT interactivity NN of IN an DT ongoing JJ discussion NN is VBZ what WP gives VVZ online JJ communities NNS their PP$ particular JJ robustness NN and CC flavor NN . SENT All DT of IN the DT conversations NNS within IN a DT virtual JJ community NN are VBP made VVN up RP out IN of IN the DT building NN blocks NNS of IN individual JJ posts NNS . SENT from IN this DT point NN of IN view NN , , individual JJ posts NNS are VBP logical JJ units NNS of IN analysis NN for IN an DT investigation NN into IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT However RB , , as IN our PP$ discussion NN of IN announcements NNS and CC responses NNS to TO flames NNS makes VVZ clear JJ , , focusing VVG only RB on IN individual JJ posts NNS can MD not RB only RB lead VV to TO ambiguities NNS , , but CC can MD also RB miss VV the DT give VV and CC take VV of IN a DT community's JJ interactions NNS over IN time NN , , and CC can MD miss VV what WP might MD be VB called VVN the DT arc NN of IN their PP$ conversation NN the DT sometimes RB subtle JJ and CC sometimes RB extreme JJ shifts NNS in IN tone NN of IN voice NN and CC focus NN of IN attention NN as IN discussion NN unfolds VVZ . SENT For IN example NN , , the DT appearance NN of IN one CD or CC more JJR flames NNS at IN a DT given VVN point NN of IN time NN in IN the DT conversations NNS of IN a DT virtual JJ community NN tells VVZ us PP nothing NN about IN the DT context NN in IN which WDT they PP occur VVP . SENT Such JJ posts NNS may MD be VB drive NN by IN flames NNS , , virtually RB unconnected JJ to TO anything NN that WDT precedes VVZ or CC follows VVZ them PP . SENT They PP may MD mark VV the DT beginning NN of IN a DT protracted JJ flame NN war NN . SENT Or CC , , they PP may MD occur VV in IN medias NNS res NNS , , in IN the DT heart NN of IN an DT ongoing JJ flame NN war NN , , may MD be VB responses NNS to TO a DT single JJ earlier RBR non JJ flaming JJ post NN , , may MD either RB lead VV to TO further RBR flaming JJ , , or CC be VB a DT small JJ flurry NN of IN flames NNS that WDT are VBP actually RB an DT anomaly NN within IN the DT community NN . SENT Even RB full JJ flame NN wars NNS , , as IN they PP unfold VV , , may MD be VB poles NNS apart RB in IN both DT tone NN and CC content NN , , perhaps RB leading VVG to TO deep JJ rifts NNS in IN the DT community NN , , or CC , , conversely RB , , ultimately RB leading VVG to TO some DT kind NN of IN agreement NN or CC shared JJ understanding NN . SENT Similarly RB , , other JJ types NNS of IN conversations NNS , , whether IN they PP are VBP predominantly RB social JJ or CC whether IN they PP focus VVP directly RB on IN the DT exchange NN of IN information NN , , may MD have VH very RB different JJ arcs NNS , , and CC can MD differ VV radically RB in IN their PP$ depth NN and CC level NN of IN detail NN , , and CC the DT degree NN to TO which WDT any DT given VVN post NN plays VVZ an DT active JJ role NN in IN furthering VVG the DT discussion NN . SENT While IN these DT different JJ conversational JJ arcs NNS clearly RB hold VVP very RB different JJ meanings NNS for IN the DT community NN itself PP , , they PP may MD , , when WRB analyzed VVN and CC broken VVN down RP for IN categorization NN according VVG to TO the DT typology NN , , appear VVP to TO be VB very RB similar JJ in IN terms NNS of IN the DT numbers NNS of IN posts NNS of IN specific JJ types NNS they PP contain VVP . SENT Further RBR , , the DT typology NN is VBZ designed VVN , , as RB in IN the DT current JJ study NN , , to TO be VB used VVN across IN a DT fairly RB brief JJ slice NN of IN time NN , , and CC to TO reflect VV the DT content NN of IN a DT virtual JJ community's NN discussions NNS at IN that DT particular JJ moment NN in IN its PP$ history NN . SENT As IN the DT above JJ discussion NN suggests VVZ , , such PDT a DT moment NN , , removed VVN from IN what WP precedes VVZ and CC follows VVZ it PP , , may MD or CC may MD not RB be VB representative JJ of IN the DT activities NNS of IN the DT community NN over IN time NN . SENT However RB , , unlike IN many JJ forums NNS for IN virtual JJ communities NNS , , Usenet NP has VHZ been VBN in IN existence NN since IN the DT early JJ 1980 CD s PP Bumgarner NP , , 1997 CD . SENT A DT full JJ longitudanal JJ analysis NN would MD require VV the DT classification NN of IN many JJ millions NNS of IN individual JJ posts NNS . SENT Also RB , , while IN the DT typology NN , , applied VVN narrowly RB as RB in IN the DT current JJ study NN can MD provide VV little RB more RBR than IN a DT snapshot NN of IN the DT state NN of IN informational JJ and CC other JJ interactions NNS within IN a DT virtual JJ community NN at IN a DT specific JJ moment NN of IN time NN , , a DT series NN of IN such JJ snapshots NNS , , taken VVN over IN time NN , , can MD give VV a DT much RB richer JJR and CC fuller JJR picture NN of IN a DT community NN . SENT Further RBR , , if IN the DT typology NN is VBZ applied VVN simultaneously RB to TO a DT sampling NN of IN Usenet NP newsgroups NNS , , it PP should MD be VB able JJ to TO provide VV a DT clear JJ picture NN of IN a DT particular JJ moment NN in IN Usenet NP history NN . SENT Or CC , , if IN such PDT a DT study NN is VBZ undertaken VVN longitudinally RB , , it PP should MD add VV greatly RB to TO our PP$ understanding NN of IN information NN exchange NN and CC social JJ activities NNS on IN Usenet NP generally RB . SENT In IN other JJ words NNS , , even RB though IN the DT typology NN is VBZ , , as RB noted VVD above IN , , limited VVN in IN terms NNS of IN its PP$ ability NN to TO deal VV adequately RB with IN the DT temporal JJ dimension NN of IN virtual JJ community NN interactions NNS , , it PP can MD be VB repeatedly RB applied VVN over IN time NN and CC , , thus RB , , provide VV solid JJ longitudinal JJ data NNS . SENT Unfortunately RB , , such JJ longitudinal JJ data NNS will MD still RB be VB unable JJ to TO account VV for IN what WP we PP have VHP called VVN the DT arc NN of IN specific JJ conversations NNS . SENT Analysis NN of IN such JJ arcs NNS , , while IN clearly RB beyond IN the DT scope NN of IN the DT typology NN , , would MD require VV separate JJ , , supplementary JJ studies NNS , , using VVG extensive JJ and CC detailed JJ content JJ analysis NN techniques NNS . SENT Thus RB , , a DT minor JJ revision NN should MD be VB made VVN to TO the DT typology NN to TO reflect VV the DT fact NN that IN the DT temporality NN of IN online JJ conversations NNS is VBZ , , explicitly RB , , beyond IN its PP$ scope NN . SENT Definitional JJ Limits NNS From IN the DT point NN of IN view NN of IN the DT information NN needs NNS and CC behaviors NNS of IN an DT individual JJ participant NN , , the DT typology NN is VBZ limited VVN by IN its PP$ focus NN on IN the DT openly RB public JJ interactions NNS of IN the DT community NN . SENT That DT is VBZ , , the DT typology NN acknowledges VVZ only RB those DT exchanges NNS that WDT are VBP made VVN to TO the DT full JJ community NN , , explicitly RB disregarding VVG any DT interactions NNS that WDT take VVP place NN between IN individual JJ community NN participants NNS via IN other JJ means NNS , , such JJ as IN email NP , , instant JJ messaging VVG , , telephone NN calls NNS , , and CC even RB face VVP to TO face VV encounters NNS , , even RB though IN such JJ private JJ exchanges NNS may MD , , in IN many JJ cases NNS , , be VB perceived VVN by IN the DT participants NNS as IN of IN a DT piece NN with IN the DT more JJR public JJ interactions NNS that WDT take VVP place NN within IN full JJ view NN of IN all DT community NN participants NNS . SENT Further RBR , , such JJ private JJ exchanges NNS , , when WRB they PP take VVP place NN between IN community NN members NNS , , can MD have VH a DT powerful JJ if IN hidden JJ impact NN on IN both CC the DT feel NN and CC the DT activities NNS of IN a DT community NN , , because IN of IN their PP$ influence NN on IN personal JJ relationships NNS of IN individuals NNS within IN the DT community NN . SENT However RB , , virtual JJ communities NNS depend VVP upon IN the DT public JJ interactions NNS of IN their PP$ members NNS , , and CC those DT public JJ interactions NNS , , in IN the DT form NN of IN posts NNS made VVN to TO the DT group NN as IN a DT whole NN , , form VV the DT very JJ basis NN of IN whatever WDT community NN is VBZ to TO be VB found VVN within IN them PP . SENT Thus RB , , by IN viewing VVG virtual JJ communities NNS as IN information NN neighborhoods NNS Burnett NP , , 2000 CD . SENT Marchionini NP , , 1995 CD , , while IN acknowledging VVG that IN the DT information NN lives VVZ of IN their PP$ participants NNS are VBP broader JJR than IN what WP can MD be VB seen VVN in IN public NN , , the DT typology NN explicitly RB treats VVZ only RB the DT public JJ aspects NNS of IN such JJ neighborhoods NNS . SENT Those DT elements NNS of IN the DT full JJ information NN environment NN of IN the DT community NN private JJ interactions NNS , , interactions NNS between IN individual JJ community NN members NNS and CC other JJ communities NNS or CC other JJ information NN sources NNS , , etc FW . SENT are VBP , , by IN definition NN , , beyond IN the DT scope NN of IN the DT typology NN . SENT Revisions NNS to TO the DT Typology NN With IN these DT issues NNS in IN mind NN , , it PP is VBZ clear JJ that IN minor JJ revisions NNS must MD be VB made VVN to TO the DT typology NN if IN it PP is VBZ to TO reflect VV more RBR accurately RB the DT range NN of IN behaviors NNS to TO be VB found VVN within IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT As RB noted VVD above IN , , certain JJ limitations NNS of IN the DT typology NN its PP$ inability NN to TO account VV for IN the DT temporal JJ dimension NN of IN virtual JJ community NN interactions NNS , , the DT role NN played VVN by IN a DT community's JJ perceptions NNS of IN the DT meaning NN of IN certain JJ types NNS of IN posts NNS , , and CC non JJ public JJ interactions NNS between IN community NN members NNS cannot NN be VB ameliorated VVN by IN simple JJ revisions NNS , , but CC require VV additional JJ descriptive JJ analysis NN . SENT Thus RB , , the DT typology NN should MD not RB stand VV by IN itself PP as IN the DT sole JJ tool NN for IN analyzing VVG virtual JJ communities NNS , , but CC should MD always RB be VB accompanied VVN by IN interpretive JJ and CC descriptive JJ commentary NN . SENT For IN the DT current JJ study NN , , our PP$ analysis NN of IN the DT typology NN itself PP its PP$ limitations NNS as RB well RB as IN its PP$ overall JJ adequacy NN must MD stand VV in IN the DT place NN of IN such JJ additional JJ commentary NN . SENT Further RBR , , we PP propose VVP that IN the DT current JJ study NN be VB repeated VVN , , using VVG the DT same JJ two CD Usenet NP newsgroups NNS , , at IN least JJS twice RB at IN intervals NNS of IN one CD year NN , , to TO test VV the DT usefulness NN and CC accuracy NN of IN the DT typology's NNS slice VVP of IN time NN approach NN to TO virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT Such JJ longitudinal JJ study NN is VBZ , , clearly RB , , beyond IN the DT scope NN of IN the DT current JJ study NN . SENT Minor JJ revisions NNS to TO the DT typology NN itself PP , , apart RB from IN any DT added JJ commentary NN , , will MD increase VV its PP$ capacity NN to TO measure VV the DT degree NN to TO which WDT virtual JJ communities NNS engage VVP in IN the DT exchange NN of IN information NN , , compared VVN to TO other JJ activities NNS , , and CC will MD enhance VV its PP$ ability NN to TO provide VV an DT accurate JJ reflection NN of IN the DT types NNS of IN information NN related VVN activities NNS to TO be VB found VVN in IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT Thus RB , , for IN future JJ studies NNS , , the DT typology NN will MD be VB revised VVN in IN the DT following VVG ways NNS . SENT A DT new JJ category NN will MD be VB added VVN to TO include VV queries NNS that WDT , , while IN posted VVD to TO the DT community NN as IN a DT whole NN , , are VBP explicitly RB directed VVN by IN their PP$ authors NNS to TO specific JJ individuals NNS . SENT Announcements NNS will MD be VB sub NN divided VVN to TO make VV a DT distinction NN between IN pointers NNS to TO information NN sources NNS and CC personal JJ updates NNS . SENT New JJ categories NNS will MD be VB added VVN for IN responses NNS to TO queries NNS and CC responses NNS to TO flames NNS . SENT These DT revisions NNS will MD allow VV the DT typology NN to TO provide VV a DT more RBR finely RB grained VVN analysis NN of IN interactions NNS within IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT Table NN III NP summarizes VVZ the DT results NNS of IN the DT current JJ study NN , , with IN these DT revisions NNS added VVD . SENT Message NN Type NN Postings NNS Group NP A NP Postings NNS Group NP B NP Hostile JJ Interactive NP Behaviors NNS Flaming NP 3 CD 0 CD . SENT 26 CD 61 CD 9 CD . SENT 53 CD Trolling VVG 8 CD 0 CD . SENT 70 CD 73 CD 11 CD . SENT 41 CD Spamming NP 3 CD 0 CD . SENT 26 CD 35 CD 5 CD . SENT 47 CD Cyber NP rape NN 0 CD 0 CD . SENT 00 CD 1 CD 0 CD . SENT 16 CD Responses NNS to TO Flaming NP 0 CD 0 CD . SENT 00 CD 96 CD 15 CD . SENT 00 CD Collaborative JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS . SENT Non JJ Informational JJ Neutral JJ 330 CD 28 CD . SENT 87 CD 68 CD 10 CD . SENT 63 CD Humorous JJ 40 CD 3 CD . SENT 50 CD 37 CD 5 CD . SENT 78 CD Emotional JJ 85 CD 7 CD . SENT 44 CD 36 CD 5 CD . SENT 63 CD Collaborative JJ Interactive JJ Behaviors NNS . SENT Informational JJ Announcements NNS Pointers NNS to TO Information NP Sources NNS 82 CD 7 CD . SENT 17 CD 50 CD 7 CD . SENT 81 CD Announcements NNS Personal NP Updates NNS 27 CD 2 CD . SENT 36 CD 19 CD 2 CD . SENT 97 CD Queries NP to TO the DT Group NP 93 CD 8 CD . SENT 14 CD 24 CD 3 CD . SENT 75 CD Group NP Projects NPS 20 CD 1 CD . SENT 75 CD 0 CD 0 CD . SENT 00 CD Responses NNS to TO Queries NP 404 CD 35 CD . SENT 35 CD 124 CD 19 CD . SENT 38 CD Queries NP to TO Individuals NNS 48 CD 4 CD . SENT 20 CD 16 CD 2 CD . SENT 50 CD TOTAL NN 1143 CD 100 CD . SENT 00 CD 640 CD 100 CD . SENT 00 CD Table NN 3 CD . SENT Compiled VVN postings NNS from IN Group NP A NP B NP A DT full JJ discussion NN of IN the DT two CD newsgroups NNS in IN light NN of IN these DT changes NNS to TO the DT typology NN is VBZ beyond IN the DT scope NN of IN this DT paper NN . SENT However RB , , the DT additions NNS of IN the DT new JJ categories NNS especially RB the DT categories NNS that WDT reflect VVP queries NNS directed VVN to TO specific JJ individuals NNS and CC responses NNS to TO flames NNS clarify VV further RBR the DT differences NNS between IN the DT two CD groups NNS we PP discussed VVD earlier RBR , , and CC show VVP that IN , , while IN one CD group NN actively RB engages VVZ in IN information NN oriented JJ behaviors NNS both CC as IN a DT group NN and CC between IN individuals NNS within IN the DT group NN , , the DT other JJ much JJ more RBR strikingly RB orients VVZ itself PP toward IN activities NNS related VVN to TO flaming VVG and CC hostilities NNS . SENT Conclusions NNS While IN the DT current JJ project NN has VHZ focused VVN explicitly RB on IN the DT validity NN of IN the DT typology NN itself PP , , and CC only RB secondarily RB aims VVZ to TO describe VV the DT information NN environments NNS of IN two CD medically RB related VVN Usenet NP newsgroups NNS , , future JJ projects NNS , , using VVG the DT revised VVN typology NN , , will MD attempt VV to TO account VV more RBR fully RB for IN virtual JJ communities NNS themselves PP , , with IN an DT emphasis NN on IN the DT ways NNS in IN which WDT their PP$ members NNS engage VVP with IN information NN as IN a DT part NN of IN the DT their PP$ ongoing JJ activities NNS . SENT Such JJ future JJ projects NNS will MD examine VV other JJ types NNS of IN virtual JJ communities NNS , , both CC in IN terms NNS of IN their PP$ technical JJ characteristics NNS and CC in IN terms NNS of IN their PP$ subject JJ interests NNS , , and CC will MD address VV the DT following VVG questions NNS . SENT To TO what WP extent NN are VBP virtual JJ communities NNS similar JJ in IN terms NNS of IN the DT types NNS of IN information NN behaviors NNS they PP support VVP . SENT Do VV different JJ virtual JJ communities NNS have VHP different JJ flavors NNS that WDT can MD be VB measured VVN based VVN on IN how WRB the DT typology NN measures VVZ their PP$ typical JJ behaviors NNS . SENT Are VBP there RB different JJ types NNS of IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT Can MD they PP be VB categorized VVN according VVG to TO type NN . SENT By IN providing VVG a DT metric NN through IN which WDT to TO address VV such JJ questions NNS , , the DT typology NN will MD allow VV a DT richer JJR understanding NN of IN virtual JJ communities NNS as IN social JJ information NN environments NNS . SENT Footnotes NNS 1 CD . SENT For IN example NN , , the DT Usenet NP newsgroup NN alt JJ . SENT flame NN is VBZ devoted VVN solely RB to TO the DT exchange NN of IN insults NNS and CC other JJ hostilities NNS . SENT 2 LS . SENT Although IN , , as IN Walther NP 2001 CD points NNS out RB in IN a DT comment NN posted VVD to TO the DT Association NP of IN Internet NP Researchers NP listserv NP , , Usenet NP newsgroups NNS are VBP public JJ forums NNS , , with IN all DT posts NNS easily RB and CC openly RB accessible JJ to TO anybody NN who WP wishes VVZ to TO see VV them PP , , we PP have VHP opted VVN neither RB to TO identify VV the DT two CD newsgroups NNS by IN name NN nor CC to TO quote VV directly RB from IN posts NNS . SENT Because IN these DT two CD groups NNS both CC involve VV the DT health NN of IN participants NNS , , and CC because RB , , for IN at IN least JJS some DT of IN them PP , , questions NNS related VVN to TO their PP$ health NN could MD have VH implications NNS for IN other JJ aspects NNS of IN their PP$ lives NNS , , it PP seemed VVD to TO us PP to TO be VB respectful JJ , , if IN not RB quite RB imperative JJ , , to TO discuss VV them PP here RB without IN direct JJ identification NN . SENT 3 LS . SENT In IN the DT discussion NN that WDT follows VVZ , , we PP refer VVP to TO the DT group NN devoted VVN to TO the DT physical JJ illness NN as IN Group NP A NP . SENT We PP refer VVP to TO the DT group NN focused VVN on IN the DT emotional JJ disorder NN as IN Group NP B NP . SENT 4 LS . SENT Usenet NP reader NN software NN is VBZ typically RB provided VVN as IN part NN of IN the DT standard JJ access NN package NN offered VVN by IN Internet NP Service NP Providers NNS . SENT Some DT readers NNS such JJ as IN TIN NN and CC TASS NN are VBP command NN line NN programs NNS accessed VVN via IN UNIX NP based VVN servers NNS . SENT Other JJ reader NN software NN packages NNS are VBP built VVN into IN Web NP browsers NNS such JJ as IN Netscape NP and CC Internet NP Explorer NN . SENT The DT functionality NN of IN these DT different JJ newsreaders NNS can MD vary VV . SENT however RB , , they PP all RB , , at IN a DT minimum NN , , provide VV enough JJ text NN based VVN access NN to TO newsgroups NNS to TO allow VV users NNS to TO become VV full JJ participants NNS in IN Usenet NP based VVN communities NNS . SENT 5 LS . SENT In IN a DT 1999 CD study NN , , Smith NP found VVD that IN approximately RB 3500 CD posts NNS were VBD made VVN by IN approximately RB 1200 CD people NNS to TO one CD or CC more JJR newsgroups NNS per IN hour NN . SENT An DT informal JJ inventory NN of IN newsgroups NNS made VVN at IN the DT time NN of IN the DT current JJ study NN showed VVD that IN the DT number NN of IN posts NNS available JJ in IN newsgroups NNS ranged VVN from IN one CD to TO several JJ thousand CD at IN any DT given VVN time NN . SENT However RB , , this DT informal JJ observation NN accounts NNS only RB for IN the DT number NN of IN posts NNS housed VVN at IN one CD time NN on IN a DT specific JJ news NN server NN . SENT since IN servers NNS may MD vary VV widely RB in IN terms NNS of IN the DT length NN of IN time NN they PP house VVP posts NNS , , it PP does VVZ not RB accurately RB reflect VV actual JJ day NN to TO day NN traffic NN . SENT References NNS Bumgarner NP , , L NP . SENT S NP . SENT 1997 CD . SENT Usenet NN history NN . SENT Retrieved VVN October NP 17 CD , , 2001 CD from IN http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT vrx NN . SENT net JJ usenet NN history NN . SENT Burnett NP , , G NP . SENT 2000 CD . SENT Information NN exchange NN in IN virtual JJ communities NNS . SENT A DT typology NN . SENT Information NP Research NP . SENT An DT International NP Electronic NP Journal NP , , 5 CD 4 CD . SENT Retrieved VVN October NP 17 CD , , 2001 CD from IN http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT shef NN . SENT ac NNS . SENT uk NP is VBZ publications NNS infres NNS ircont NN . SENT html NN . SENT Burnett NP , , G NP . SENT , , Besant NP , , M NP . SENT , , Chatman NP , , E NP . SENT A DT . SENT 2001 CD . SENT Small JJ worlds NNS . SENT Normative JJ behavior NN in IN virtual JJ communities NNS and CC feminist JJ bookselling NN . SENT Journal NP of IN the DT American NP Society NP for IN Information NP Science NP and CC Technology NP , , 52 CD 7 CD , , 517 CD 535 CD . SENT Culver NP , , J NP . SENT D SYM . SENT , , Gerr NP , , F NN . SENT , , Frumkin NP , , H NP . SENT 1997 CD . SENT Medical JJ information NN on IN the DT internet NN . SENT A DT study NN of IN an DT electronic JJ bulletin NN board NN . SENT Journal NP of IN General NP Internal NP Medicine NP , , 12 CD 8 CD , , 466 CD 470 CD . SENT Feldman NP , , M NP . SENT D SYM . SENT 2000 CD . SENT Munchausen NP by IN Internet NP . SENT Detecting VVG factitious JJ illness NN and CC crisis NN on IN the DT Internet NN . SENT Southern NP Journal NP of IN Medicine NP , , 93 CD , , 669 CD 672 CD . SENT Ferguson NP , , T NN . SENT 1997 CD . SENT Health NN care NN in IN cyberspace NN . SENT Patients NNS lead VVP a DT revolution NN . SENT The DT Futurist NN , , 31 CD , , 29 CD . SENT Finn NP , , J NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT An DT exploration NN of IN helping VVG processes NNS in IN an DT online JJ self NN help NN group NN focusing VVG on IN issues NNS of IN disability NN . SENT Health NP Social NP Work NP , , 24 CD 3 CD , , 220 CD 231 CD . SENT Kennedy NP , , T NN . SENT 2000 CD . SENT An DT exploratory JJ study NN of IN feminist JJ experiences NNS in IN cyberspace NN . SENT Cyberpsychology NN Behavior NN , , 3 CD 5 CD , , 707 CD 719 CD . SENT Klemm NP , , P NN . SENT , , Hurst NP , , M NP . SENT , , Dearholt NP , , S NP . SENT L NN . SENT , , Trone NP , , S NP . SENT R SYM . SENT 1999 CD . SENT Gender NN differences NNS on IN Internet NN cancer NN support NN groups NNS . SENT Computer NP Nursing NP , , 17 CD 2 CD , , 65 CD 72 CD . SENT Kowalczyk NP , , L NP . SENT 2001 CD , , August NP 16 CD . SENT Hospitals NNS offering VVG online JJ 2 CD d SYM opinions NNS . SENT Boston NP Globe NP , , p NN . SENT A DT 1 CD . SENT Lea NP , , M NP . SENT , , O'Shea NP , , T NN . SENT , , Fung NP , , P NN . SENT , , Spears NP , , R NP . SENT 1992 CD . SENT Flaming VVG in IN computer NN mediated VVD communication NN . SENT Observations NNS , , explanations NNS , , implications NNS . SENT In IN M NP . SENT Lea NP Ed NP . SENT , , Contexts NNS of IN computer NN mediated VVD communication NN pp NNS . SENT 89 CD 112 CD . SENT New NP York NP . SENT Harvester NN Wheatsheaf NP . SENT Lebow NP , , J NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT Not RB just RB talk VV , , maybe RB some DT risk NN . SENT The DT therapeutic JJ potentials NNS and CC pitfalls NNS of IN computer NN mediated VVD conversation NN . SENT Journal NP of IN Marital JJ and CC Family NN Therapy NN , , 24 CD 2 CD , , 203 CD 206 CD . SENT Madara NP , , E NP . SENT J NP . SENT 1997 CD . SENT The DT mutual JJ aid NN self NN help VV online JJ revolution NN . SENT Social NP Policy NP , , 27 CD , , 20 CD 26 CD . SENT Marchionini NP , , G NP . SENT 1995 CD . SENT Information NN seeking VVG in IN electronic JJ environments NNS . SENT Cambridge NP . SENT Cambridge NP University NP Press NP . SENT Preece NP , , J NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT Empathic JJ communities NNS . SENT Balancing VVG emotional JJ and CC factual JJ communication NN . SENT Interacting VVG With IN Computers NP , , 12 CD 1 CD , , 63 CD 77 CD . SENT Rafaeli NP , , S NP . SENT , , Sudweeks NP , , F NN . SENT , , Mabry NP , , E NN . SENT , , Konstan NP , , J NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT ProjectH NP . SENT A DT collaborative JJ qualitative JJ study NN of IN computer NN mediated VVD communication NN . SENT In IN F NN . SENT Sudweeks NP , , M NP . SENT McLaughlin NP , , S NP . SENT Rafaeli NP Editors NNS , , Network NP netplay NN . SENT Virtual JJ groups NNS on IN the DT Internet NP pp NP . SENT 265 CD 282 CD . SENT Menlo NP Park NP , , CA MD . SENT AAAI NP Press NP M NP . SENT I PP . SENT T NN . SENT Press NN . SENT Rafaeli NP , , S NP . SENT , , Sudweeks NP , , F NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT Interactivity NN on IN the DT nets NNS . SENT in IN F NN . SENT Sudweeks NP , , M NP . SENT McLaughlin NP , , S NP . SENT Rafaeli NP Editors NNS , , Network NP netplay NN . SENT Virtual JJ groups NNS on IN the DT Internet NP pp NP . SENT 173 CD 189 CD . SENT Menlo NP Park NP , , CA MD . SENT AAAI NP Press NP The NP MIT NP Press NP . SENT Riva NP , , G NP . SENT , , Galimberti NP , , C NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT Computer NN mediated VVD communication NN . SENT Identity NN and CC social JJ interaction NN in IN an DT electronic JJ environment NN . SENT Genetic NP , , Social NP , , and CC General NP Psychology NP Monograph NN , , 124 CD 4 CD , , 434 CD 464 CD . SENT Savicki NP , , V NN . SENT , , Lingenfelter NP , , D NP . SENT , , Kelley NP , , D NP . SENT 1996 CD . SENT Gender NN language NN style NN and CC group NN composition NN in IN internet NN discussion NN groups NNS . SENT Journal NP of IN Computer NP Mediated VVD Communication NP , , 2 CD 3 CD . SENT Retrieved VVN October NP 17 CD , , 2001 CD from IN http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT ascusc NN . SENT org NP jcmc NN vol NP 2 CD issue NN 3 CD savicki NNS . SENT html NN . SENT Schmetzke NP , , A NP . SENT 1996 CD . SENT Disability NN related VVD resources NNS on IN the DT internet NN . SENT Intervention NN in IN School NP and CC Clinic NP , , 32 CD , , 69 CD 81 CD . SENT Smith NP , , C NP . SENT B SYM . SENT , , McLaughlin NP , , M NP . SENT L NN . SENT , , Osborne NP , , K NP . SENT K NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT From IN terminal JJ ineptitude NN to TO virtual JJ sociopathy NN . SENT How WRB conduct NN is VBZ regulated VVN on IN usenet NN . SENT In IN F NN . SENT Sudweeks NP , , M NP . SENT McLaughlin NP , , S NP . SENT Rafaeli NP Eds NPS . SENT , , Network NP netplay NN . SENT Virtual JJ groups NNS on IN the DT internet NP pp NP . SENT 95 CD 112 CD . SENT Menlo NP Park NP , , CA MD . SENT AAAI NP Press NP MIT NP Press NP . SENT Smith NP , , M NP . SENT A DT . SENT 1992 CD Voices NNS from IN the DT WELL NN . SENT The DT logic NN of IN the DT virtual JJ commons NN . SENT Retrieved VVN October NP 17 CD , , 2001 CD from IN http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT sscnet NN . SENT ucla NN . SENT edu NN soc NN csoc NN papers NNS voices NNS Voices NNS . SENT htm NN . SENT Smith NP , , M NP . SENT A DT . SENT 1999 CD . SENT Invisible JJ crowds NNS in IN cyberspace NN . SENT Mapping VVG the DT social JJ structure NN of IN the DT usenet NN . SENT In IN M NP . SENT A DT . SENT Smith NP P NN . SENT Kollock NP Eds NPS . SENT , , Communities NNS in IN cyberspace NN pp NNS . SENT 195 CD 219 CD . SENT London NP New NP York NP . SENT Routledge NP . SENT Walther NP , , J NP . SENT walthj NP rpi NP . SENT edu NN . SENT 2001 CD , , May NP 8 CD . SENT Re NP . SENT ethics NNS of IN data NNS use VVP . SENT E SYM mail NN to TO air VV l NN air NN l NN info NN . SENT comm NP . SENT uic NN . SENT edu NN . SENT Wellman NP , , B NN . SENT , , Gulia NP , , M NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT Virtual JJ communities NNS as IN communities NNS . SENT Net JJ surfers NNS don't NN ride NN alone RB . SENT in IN M NP . SENT Smith NP P NN . SENT Kollock NN Editors NNS , , Communities NNS in IN cyberspace NN pp NNS . SENT 167 CD 194 CD . SENT New NP York NP . SENT Routledge NP . SENT Wellman NP , , B NN . SENT , , Salaff NP , , J NP . SENT , , Dimitrova NP , , D NP . SENT 1996 CD . SENT Computer NN networks NNS as IN social JJ networks NNS . SENT Collaborative JJ work NN , , telework NN , , and CC virtual JJ community NN . SENT Annual JJ Review NP of IN Sociology NN , , 22 CD , , 213 CD 238 CD . SENT About IN the DT Authors NNS Gary NP Burnett NP holds VVZ a DT Ph NN . SENT D SYM . SENT in IN English NP from IN Princeton NP University NP and CC is VBZ an DT Assistant NP Professor NP at IN the DT School NP of IN Information NP Studies NPS at IN Florida NP State NP University NP , , where WRB he PP teaches VVZ courses NNS in IN the DT development NN and CC organization NN of IN online JJ information NN resources NNS . SENT His PP$ research NN investigates VVZ the DT text NN based VVN information NN environments NNS of IN virtual JJ communities NNS as RB well RB as IN the DT creation NN and CC maintenance NN of IN social JJ norms NNS within IN those DT communities NNS . SENT His PP$ work NN has VHZ been VBN published VVN in IN journals NNS such JJ as IN Information NP Research NP , , The DT Journal NP of IN the DT American NP Society NP for IN Information NP Science NP and CC Technology NP , , and CC Library NN Quarterly JJ . SENT Address VV . SENT School NN of IN Information NP Studies NPS , , Florida NP State NP University NP , , Tallahassee NP , , FL NP 32309 CD . SENT Harry NP Buerkle NP is VBZ a DT doctoral JJ candidate NN at IN FSU NP School NP of IN Information NP Studies NPS and CC currently RB works VVZ as IN an DT Information NP Technology NP Resource NP Specialist NN in IN the DT Leon NP County NP School's NP Exceptional JJ Student NP Education NP Department NP in IN Tallahassee NP , , Florida NP . SENT His PP$ dissertation NN research NN focuses VVZ on IN the DT best JJS practices NNS of IN school NN library NN media NNS specialists NNS and CC their PP$ integration NN of IN information NN and CC technology NN literacy NN in IN both CC the DT school NN and CC in IN the DT media NNS center NN . SENT He PP also RB has VHZ research NN interests NNS in IN publishing NN via IN the DT WWW NP by IN children NNS , , web NN development NN and CC production NN , , information NN literacy NN , , computer NN mediated VVD communication NN , , information NN typologies NNS and CC distance NN learning NN . SENT Address VV . SENT School NN of IN Information NP Studies NPS , , Florida NP State NP University NP , , Tallahassee NP , , FL NP 32309 CD . SENT Copyright NN 2004 CD Journal NP of IN Computer NP Mediated VVD Communication NP