2000 Online communities seem to develop lives of their own, with like-minded people logging on to share experiences or just hang out. In an improvement to the primitive chat software that has dominated online services, a company called RealCommunities has developed a program that acts more like society itself.
Participants can act as they do in real life.
The computer itself is just a tool. And if you don't take into consideration what connects the people, the tools make no sense at all. One of the most important aspects is the ability for users to develop a positive reputation within the community. This encourages participation. And if people know they are to be recognized for their contributions they will be more willing to contribute.