This is a publisher's model that has been used in many virtual communities. Marketing The real strength of a virtual community is in the marketing potential. It is like having access to a permanent, ongoing focus group. Virtual communities can also be used to establish 'mindshare'. As one of the oldest 'Chemmunities', the CCL is mainly used by academics.
Ads are shunned and any company that posts a blatant ad can be removed from the list.
However, software companies such as Gaussian Inc. and MSI Inc. have company employees monitor the discussions. The Members A community has members. A virtual community has members. Not virtual members, but real people. And for these people to interact in a virtual gathering place it is essential that the right group is brought together.