1. What are the main foci of these articles?

Nessim,Watson

Nessim is primarily concerned with establishing whether Phishnet.org is in fact a community. As a result this paper covers a range of useful threads relating to definitions and examples of community. It relates on-line behavior to traditional definitions and examples of off line community behavior.

As a resource it is useful – it evaluates community on-off line under sections sincerity, representation. Giving good reference for further research.

Kling & Courtright

While this article focuses on the e-ilf project and its effectiveness as a community it addresses a number of issues in other areas. For example in the paper covers four areas

• A discussion of the structure of the Internet, to address prevailing misconceptions regarding its nature as a medium for human interaction and community development.
• Discuss a variety of social forms, from teams and groups to communities
• Discuss available research concerning how trust is developed in groups, both face-to-face and those that meet or work online.
• Relates relevant experiences of the ILF, and provides suggestions for structural changes that could enhance its community-oriented features.

Of the four areas the first three provide a wealth of recourses and ideas and the last substantiates their claims and observations.

2. Why and how is the issue of identity online addressed?

Nessim,Watson

Personae are used as an identity screening for members. Each member has control over the amount of identity revelation they wish to have. This is again a method of allowing members to build trust and establish a level of comfort with the on-line activity.

Some members reveal all details.

Kling & Courtright

There is a preliminary requirement to be part of this on-line group namely that they be recognized as part of the educational community. Their participation must be approved by e-ilf. Restriction of membership was requested by primary participants.

Once an applicant is approved for participation they may select a pseudonym, it should be noted that many of the selections were abbreviations of their own names (RL ‘real life’ names).

More active members tend to use their real life names. It should be noted that e-ilf have access to full profile details of members for moderation purposes.

3. What implications are there for how we understand ourselves and others?

Nessim,Watson

Follows the same train of thought as Kling & Courtright

Kling & Courtright

With regard to e-ilf this form of identity monitoring and control is essential as the situation is one where there is the appearance of community but the competitive element of the wider e-ilf community fosters a sense of distrust. By allowing pseudonyms members are encouraged to enter and engage in activities without fear and as trust is fostered in ‘bonded groups’ so the need for pseudonyms diminishes.

This pattern is quite common not only on-line but off as well. When one enters any new environment one tends to present a façade. This is usually base on social status (the doctor, or mechanic), physical appearance (big and strong, pretty), etc Only once we have ‘pinged / engaged others in conversation’ in the new group to establish the extent or validity of the façade do we tend to start dropping our own and revealing our more personal selves.

This is true of others though it may vary from person to person. This usually depends on a) if they are the host or initiator of the gathering. In which case they will more likely have more in-depth knowledge of individuals than others in the group which gives them an advantage. b) Specific personality types or in the case of on-line activity on-line skills may effect the outcome.

The easy with which one communicates and attempts to build relationships will tend to correlate with ones depth of knowledge about other members or ones personal skill set.

4. How is difference or diversity accommodated in these communities?

Nessim,Watson

A lot of emphasis is placed on members in depth knowledge of the common interest focus of this group ie the band. The more one knows not only about the band but of Phishnet.org. The greater the status of the member, it is the diversity of status that seems to be of more importance that gender of race.

It is therefore through discussion and comment that one is evaluated, attains, retains or looses status This is seen in the ticket scam claim and appropriate live show behavior expectations.

Kling & Courtright

In this study it is not really a problem as all members are pre screened and are of the same profession. They are also aware that there is a very specific function or role of the set community.

5. Is this problematic? Why?

Nessim,Watson

I do not see this as a problem as this is a self regulating method of community development. The community is establishing a collective value system and embracing those who conform while remonstrating those who abuse their membership.

Kling & Courtright

As communities go this is a problem as e-ilf have inadvertently set up a highly competitive zone where trust is not easily built due to competitive reservation of members. No amount of persuasion is likely to ease a feeling of being judged if a member shows weakness or doubt.