Virtual Communities as New Emergent Markets

Authors

  • Camelia GRADINARU Departamentul de Cercetare Interdisciplinar – Domeniul Socio-Uman, Universitatea „Al. I. Cuza” din Iaşi

Keywords:

online market, virtual communities, online cooperation, reputation, trust

Abstract

This paper focuses on virtual communities as entities that can perform economic tasks. Word-of-mouth, reputation, and trust are key elements that enable the smooth operation of its market activities. Based on conversation, virtual communities enhance a spirit of collaboration according to the set of values established by their members. The self-regulation of online communities represents an interesting dynamics that puts together all the actors involved and sets the main preferences through recommendations, reviews and opinions. The example analysed in this article indicates also the importance of the trends that insure the success of this collaborative market.

References

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COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL COOPERATION: MODELS AND STRATEGIES