When I have time, I like to visit discussion boards and forums, especially those about my favourite TV shows and movies. They’re very easy to use; someone starts a new post or topic if they wish and the other posters respond with their opinions. A discussion can last for days or weeks, depending on how “hot” the topic is. As a result, the effect of such a discussion is like having an ongoing asynchronous conversation with numerous others over the internet. Despite this being a CMC interaction, online standards still apply. According to Wallace, within this environment, the lack of physicality and cues made it necessary for new conforming strategies. Consequently these boards have “stronger methods to encourage conformity”, which includes basic netiquette. This would cover rules for spoilers within headings, spamming, inappropriate and off-topic messages.
New posters conform usually pretty quickly, since the board rules are presented while creating an account and are also stickied or tagged at the most visible place. They also learn to adapt by watching other people post messages, and see what kind of behaviour and language is acceptable or not. Especially with regards to spoilers, board members request that the headings have a warning, or else the original poster would be lectured.
The Leviathan, which enforces these norms in this case, would be the board moderators. If the moderators feel that certain rules are being disregarded by the board as a whole, they may post reminders and warnings in each board. Wallace also states that such a moderator has the power to “censor, pass along, and edit” posts. If this is exercised correctly and at the right times, it creates a more stable, secure environment. To a lesser extent, the other board members may also be involved, as they are able to raise the “virtual eyebrow” to warn those who exhibit unacceptable behaviour. If the offence is repeated, then the moderator would privately message the offender. The most severe punishment for breaking the norms would be temporary or permanent banishment from the discussion boards.
Since the virtual community differs from a physical, face to face environment, the way that people conform to a group changes but the underlying principles stay the same. Wallace reminds us that society still desires an orderly, “moderated” environment – thus the importance of the Leviathan. The Leviathan holds the responsibility of maintaining this order by forcing others to conform to the society’s norms, conventions and standards. This may be a law system, set of rules, or people who enforce them. This is especially important in CMC, where anonymity is easily achieved, availability of information may be limited, and accuracy of the information may be disputed. Thus, the presence of the Leviathan in a CMC community is necessary.
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2 comments:
Angela,
I also wrote about the Leviathan on online community message boards, and I think you did a great job explaining the role of the Leviathan in this case. Like you, I found that the norms of the message board included staying on topic, and having appropriate language and behavior, as well as not spamming. I think you made a great point that spoilers should be given appropriate headings by users following the norm.
I also definitely agree with the fact that message boards would be better off with a Leviathan figure (a moderator) or else they would be subject to chaos, but do you think that a board would be fine without one too? I found that message boards had different hierarchal levels for each member. The better known members had more social influence. In most cases where the moderator was absent or inactive, I found the simple "raising of the eyebrow" by respected members was enough to maintain some form of order.
I think that you did a great job explaining the role of the Leviathan and incorporating Wallace's ideas as well. Your blog was well organized and you explained the effect of the Leviathan on the message board websites. I agree that in order to maintain order and in order to respect other people on the message board, there needs to be a Leviathan. Overall, i think that you did a great job.
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