In this taxonomy, counseling stops short of advocacy. It requires at least two parties in direct or indirect communication. It usually takes place via e-mail, or electronic discussion lists, but it also may use the telephone or fax machine. It may involve an exchange of messages between two or more people, or it may involve requests for information or interaction with an organization by filling out and sending an on-line form. Other, more advanced forms of interactive communication also could involve electronic opinion polls or even voting.
Interactive communication involving groups tends to foster a sense of community or shared interest.
On CCISs, this help typically is not professional help, but rather peer self- help or mutual aid. We then examined the several hundred services provided by each of four CCISs, locating each service within the three-dimensional matrix. Services oriented to middle income and upper middle income patrons dominated the four systems. Very few services were specifically targeted to low-income patrons. The final paper, to be submitted in February, will contain information about the services and types of help provided by each of the four CCISs examined.