Twitter as a pivotal platform for engaging and participating in social change movements.

PDF Download Abstract This paper explores digital technology and social networking sites’ abilities to create communities online. Looking at the influence of micro-blogging site Twitter and its ability to provide users with a space to voice opinion, this paper discusses the rise of social movements online. ‘Hashtag movements’ have become common place within society creating spaces where real voices, experiences and opinions are at the forefront of change. Focusing on three recent hashtag Read more [...]

Examining the exploitive nature of Companies within Virtual Communities

This paper explores how companies employ social networking sites and online platforms to engage with existing online communities to develop exploitative relationships with potential consumers. Examining the exploitive nature of Companies within Virtual Communities. Angela Lougheed Student Curtin University Author Note Angela Lougheed – Student NETS2004 NET204 Social Media, Communities and Networks To read offline download PDF: Net204_Final Conference_Lougheed Angela for web   This Read more [...]

Rounding up the loyalists: Building brand communities in Web 2.0

Abstract The following paper considers three diverse online brand communities as examples of how businesses create browser-based platforms to engage with their customers and build loyalty. Since the advent of Web 2.0, and the ability for internet users to produce and distribute content easily and cheaply, businesses and marketers question how to be heard in a changed and changing media landscape. The purpose of this discussion is to show that brand community success is not accidental: I argue that Read more [...]