Hi!

As you might have read from my profile, I am doing a master's thesis on virtual communities. Although I don't yet have a clear idea of what aspect of virtual communities I wish to study, everything that is said in this group is of much interest to me.

I am using this post to ask authorization to use information written in this particular group as part of my research (just because the medium is free doesn't mean I do not care about ethical issues!).

If anyone has an objection to me doing that, please let me know, and anything you will contribute to this group will be left out of my research.

Of course, for anyone who wishes it, my completed thesis will be available to you (if I ever finish it!!!!!)

Thank you!!

That's cool. So if I contribute, I'll be famous?

Famous might be a bit of a stretch... depends on how many people actually read it... so probably not

I have no problem with you using anything I say, and if it's not too long then might be interested in reading the end result

although.. thesises are sort of meant to be long.. maybe I'll pass.. 

There is a possibility that a research article be written as a result of my thesis, with my director... that souldn't be too long

Hi, Mick here from Tangler.

Good notice. i'm not exactly sure how this fits in with the terms and conditions, but if you're not using it for commercial use, you ask and you play nicely, I think it's probably not an issue.

No, no commercial use at all... I intend to use this to complement my exploratory research for my school thesis. I am not looking to engage in nasty debate... I just want to get people's opinions on the matter. My role will be mostly to listen in on discussions, and to start new topics. Hope that is alright!

Hi Aurilie!

A recent Master's Thesis that I acted as an advisor to the researcher on involved surveys and focus group discussions.  The educational institution required that the researcher get an actual release (from each individual participating)... does your's not have a formal presrbed form that would cover this type of request? (You may find it best to nail down with your advisor what the ethics 'rules' are for thesis research in this area to make sure you don't unknowingly do a lot of work that you end up not being able to use!).

I gladly give my release, and am interested in reading the final product.... good luck.

Since this research is conducted in part over the internet, a verbal release suffices. I also will be getting an authorization by the Ethics Committee of my school, to make sure that I am not abusing my participantso:-\

I'm good with anything....

Really look forward to seeing you develop your topic and then the final product. (as an aside, would you consider keep us updated? no need for indepth reports, it'd just be nice to know how and what you're doing)

I kind of expected that the content here would inform your research so this post is not a surprise. We are in the public realm here and I have no issues with being quoted. I too would be interested to hear how it all progresses. Good luck!

Good luck with it all. I give my release happily. Hope it goes well. I'd be interested in seeing the final product if you publish it. 

I have no problems with anything I say being used on the proviso that I am always refered to as "Dr of Economics and Nobel Loriet JakeNudge"

*ahem*

Laureate

haha, yeah so it seems that the firefox "you cant spell so I have put a line under the word for you" system doesnt work when writing in tangler boxes....

(do you think anyone will beleive that my spelling mistake was on purpose?)

ummmm..... i dun think so

btw, to make it spell check, you have to right click and select 'spell check this field'.

heh... you learn something new each day thanks dek..

No worries!

I shall then adress you as Dr of Economics, Nobel Laureate, and Expert Misspeller JakeNudge... How's that?

hahahahahah

I second it!

Motion passed

can we add "former cult leader"?

That's getting too much... my thesis is only 100 or so pages after all!

Only a hundred pages? Have they instituted a "Kissinger Rule" at your school?

Use big font and double spacing - it'll be over before you know it!

ok well if there is anything I can do to help you out Aurelie just let me know