Document Type

Contribution to Book

Language

eng

Format of Original

7 p.

Publication Date

2010

Publisher

IGI Global

Source Publication

Cases on Online Discussion and Interaction: Experiences and Outcomes

Source ISSN

9781282659315

Original Item ID

doi: 10.4018/978-1-61520-863-0.ch018

Abstract

This case examines how a community of organizations providing service to people experiencing homelessness made use of an electronic mail list. Current economic conditions have encouraged organizations in various sectors—including nonprofits—that might normally compete for scarce resources to collaborate with one another to increase their chances of survival. One set of tools likely to be of value in such relationships includes various online discussion technologies. An examination of this community’s email list use over a three-year period suggests a somewhat complex picture regarding technology use. More specifically, some issues both constrain and enable use. Additionally, seemingly basic and minimal uses of the list provided not only the greatest functionality for the users, but also led to several unanticipated consequences for those involved.

Comments

Published version. "Getting on the E-List: E-Mail Use in a Community of Service Provider" appears in Cases on Online Discussion and Interaction: Experiences and Outcomes, edited by Leonard Shedletsky and Joan E. Aitkenhere. DOI. © 2010 IGI Global. Used with permission.

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