From: dyarman@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Donald L Yarman)
Subject: Dissertation on soc.motss (PLEASE READ)
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 13:56:45 GMT

          SOC.MOTSS AS SUBJECT OF DISSERTATION RESEARCH

     When I started reading soc.motss in October of 1991, I was
immediately struck by the folklore that I saw here:  both the
folklore discussed by the group and the folklore generated by the
group.  Now that the time has come for me to write my
dissertation, I would like to study soc.motss.  This post will
briefly outline the questions and methods of my study, informing
you of my purpose and discussing my research policies.
     The working title of the dissertation is taken from a post
by John Dorrance:

     "Soc.motss isn't just a newsgroup; it's a group of people":
          An Ethnography of Computer-Mediated Communication

More than any other newsgroup I've encountered, soc.motss has
solidified into a self-conscious community:  motssfolk, motssers,
motssisti.  In what ways, my study asks, is soc.motss _not_ "just
a newsgroup?"  I am interested in the different models for the
community that are being used--for example, the "cabal" and the
"conceptual family."  The notion of a cabal, for instance, raises
assumptions about inclusion and exclusion, about insider-ness.
     My study will approach soc.motss with the questions of an
"ethnography of speaking," examining how the community is
constructed and the role communication plays in that community.
Obviously, in computer newsgroups, there is very little _except_
communication.  I am interested in how that communication is
governed:  what rules are in place, what standards for competence
are upheld, how violations of the rules or incompetent
performances are treated.  For example, what is the role of irony
in soc.motss?  What problems arise with the difficulties of
marking irony in computer-mediated communication?  (Remember the
"special privileges for homosexuals" thread a couple months ago?)
     Many of my areas of interest are being foregrounded as we
consider splitting and renaming the newsgroup.  A few posters
have objected to changing the name, arguing that there is too
much "lore" associated with "motss" to just abandon it.  My study
boils down to the question "What _is_ this lore?"

RESEARCH METHODS
     I wish to study soc.motss as a participant observer, reading
the bulk of messages carried by soc.motss and contributing to
those threads that interest me.  As the dissertation progresses,
I will post drafts of my work, asking for feedback; this feedback
will then be incorporated into my work according to the practices
of "reciprocal ethnography."  What I say about you will be
presented to you for your evaluation, discussion, and revision.
Your responses (should you choose to give them) will be part of
the dissertation.
     All names will be changed in the dissertation, but since
soc.motss is public communication, I cannot insure absolute
anonymity.  For this reason, anyone who prefers to be removed
completely from the study will be; simply send me e-mail
requesting as much.
     I have no set time table yet, but it looks like I won't be
actually writing anything for several months; I have many books
to read first.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or
comments, please do not hesitate to mail me.  If you are
interested in reading the entire prospectus, let me know; it's
too long to post, but I can mail you a copy.

Yours,
Don
-- 
Don Yarman         ______/|/|       dyarman@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
                     (_) \|\|       Yarman.1@osu.edu
         I am studying soc.motss for my dissertation.
         For more information, please send me e-mail.
Newsgroups: soc.motss