The Role of Technology in Interest-Based Communities: Interactivity, Immersion and Connectivity

This paper explores the creation and distribution of knowledge in communities that have emerged through a shared interest or goal. The focus is on the technology used for supporting knowledge creation and distribution. We examine the problem area through three case studies: birdwatchers, virtual stables and ice-hockey fans. As a result, we present an analysis of issues concerning knowledge creation and distribution from the viewpoints of interactivity, immersion, and connectivity.