Will Networking Nerds Pay for Stuff That Matters? The Relationship between Social Networks and Subscriptions in Virtual Communities

In this paper, we explore how the choice to pay subscription fees may be influenced by social network behavior in virtual communities. We examine subscription information from a popular website, Slashdot.org, a ldquonews for nerds - stuff that mattersrdquo site dedicated to technology related news, and study the relationship between network usage, activity level, status, group participation and network investment with subscriptions. We find that subscription payments were more closely associated with usage, group participation and network investment, and not with activity level. We suggest that the financial investments made by users may motivate them to more positively interact with other users, and to contribute higher quality comments. Having a subscription system might stimulate a more invested community and increase quality participation. Similarly, encouraging a more supportive online community through social networking mechanisms may help users feel committed to the site and willing to pay subscription fees.