Participation Patterns in an Online Community

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Speaker
Cliff Lampe
Assistant Professor, Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media, Michigan State University

When
-

Where
Newell-Simon Hall 1305 (Michael Mauldin Auditorium)

Description

This talk will discuss macro-scale patterns of interactions among users of Everything2, a user-generated content site started in 1999. How new users respond to feedback, how private messaging amongst users is related to posting behavior, and decisions to exit the group will all be considered. Data is taken from a combination of user surveys, interviews, and database information derived from the site servers. Of particular interest are users who participate for years, and then decide to leave the site after having invested in it. What precipitating events predict exit? How are other users affected by the exit of well-known members?

Speaker's Bio

Cliff Lampe is an assistant professor in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media at Michigan State University. He received his PhD from the School of Information at the University of Michigan in 2006. His work includes the effects of online interaction on social capital, practices of online journalism, the use of recommender and reputation systems, and how users interact in large social spaces. Sites he has studied include Facebook, Slashdot, NewsTrust, SourceForge and Everything2.

Host
Laura Dabbish