Acknowledgments

1. Computer-Mediated Communication as a Social Medium

Social Impacts of Communication Technologies

Research Method, Sample, and Theoretical Framework

Ethnographer as "Insider" During Phase I

Ethnographer as Something of an "Outsider" During Phase II

Themes and Structure of this Thesis

2. Literature Review

Setting the Stage: Existing Research on the Use of E-Mail

Social Psychology

Educational Psychology

Political Economy

Marxist Feminism

Postmodern Feminism

Media Fandom--and Ethnography--Online

Summary and Conclusions

3. Typical Messages and Patterns of Interaction

The Basic Unit of Communication: The Message

Logistics of the LISTSERV; Message Structure

Common Ground: "The Discussion of all Forms of Cinema"

Typical Messages and Patterns of Interaction

The List as Public Forum

Summary and Conclusions

4. Who Are the Subscribers of Cinema-L: The Interviews

Interviews with Phase I and Phase II Volunteers

Research Volunteers: Phase I

Logistics of the Questionnaire/Interview Process

An Introduction to the Volunteers

Talking about Cinema-L with Non-Subscribers

Accessing Cinema-L at Work

Research Volunteers: Phase II

A Hiatus&emdash;and then Back to the List

Social Aspects of the List

What People Look Like

Summary and Conclusions

5. Flaming and Being Flamed

Causes of Conflict

Wars of Passion: A Clash of Tastes

Different Concepts of What Is Humorous

Keeping the List Free of Commercialism

Telling the List How to Behave

Newcomers, Status, and Conflict

Some Inherent Problems of Electronic Communication

Conflict on the List: Lessons Learned

Summary and Conclusions

6. Who Speaks and Who Is Silent: The Lurkers "Come Out"

Posting and Lurking

Who "Speaks" on Cinema-L: The Numbers

The Lurkers "Come Out"

"Lurkers, Unite!"

Summary and Conclusions

7. Gender Issues in Cyberspace

Gendered Communication in the "New Frontier"

Cultural Messages: "Gender-Appropriate" Technologies

Gendered Communication in Public vs. Private Forums

"Newbie" Dynamics: The Silence of the List

A Dramatic Increase in Female Participation on the List

Reasons for the Gender Shift

The Decentered Self: Theoretical and Practical Implications

Summary and Conclusions

8. Technology's Implications: Communication, Community, and Art

Technological Implications

The Costs and Benefits of Technology

What Is It? Analogies to Preexisting Communication Technologies

Technology's Implications for Global Relations

Technology and the Art of Cinema

Summary and Conclusions

9. Conclusions

The Electronic Environment's Impact on Communication

Changes in Communication Style and Content

Elements of Aggression: The "Flaming" Phenomenon

The Lurkers: The "Silent Majority" of the List

Changes in the Composition of the List over Time

Theoretical Explorations: Gender, Community, Communication, Art

The Need for Additional Research

Appendices

A On-list Explanation of Study (Phase I)

B E-mail Note to Volunteers (Phase I)

C Explanation of Study/Informed Consent Form (Phase I)

D Ethnography Questionnaire for Cinema-L (Phase I)

E On-list Research Update (Phase I)

F On-list Explanation of Study (Phase II)

G Explanation of Study/Informed Consent Form (Phase II)

H Ethnography Questionnaire for Cinema-L (Phase II)

I On-list Research Update (Phase II)

J Messages Comparison 1993/1996

K Posters Comparison 1993/1996

L The Unofficial Smiley/Emoticon Dictionary

Endnotes

Bibliography