Which Came First? Contribution Dynamics in Online Production Communities

While considerable research investigates collaboration in online production communities, particularly how and why people join these communities, little research considers the dynamics of the collaborative behavior. This paper explores one such dynamic, the relationship between viewing and contributing. Building on established theories of community involvement, this paper argues that a recursive relationship exists, resulting in a mutually reinforcing cycle where more contributors lead to more viewers and, in turn, more viewers lead to more contributors. We also analyze the effect of time and anonymity within this dynamic relationship. This paper offers guidance for research into online production communities that builds on the large behavioral data these communities generate.

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