Although the CoP members were very comfortable with new technology, they felt it important to meet face to face to develop relationships with their colleagues. This relationship is very important as it increases trust, confidence and legitimation. The main CoP consisted of two co-located cores. The other two CoPs were more distributed but there was still the evidence of a co-located core. As well as being co-located, the cores were also active cores, ie it was the activity in the core which drove the community.
Motivation is extremely important.
CoPs are self-motivated, and without the motivation, or drive, it cannot exist. This is part of what helps make a relationship and is linked to participation. The first phase of the main case study has been presented at conferences and is to appear in a journal - see my publications page. I'm currently struggling to write up my thesis. I'm half way through my second draft, but it is proving to be a slow job as I'm in my fourth year and my funding has run out.