Open Source Software Peer-To-Peer Forums and Culture: A Preliminary Investigation of Global Participation in User Assistance

Clinton R. Lanier New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Abstract

This article initiates a discussion about the global impact of peer-to-peer (P2P) user-assistance strategies and mechanisms and looks specifically at the forums for open source software (OSS) systems. Through a brief study of the interactions among international users of the forum, this article presents ideas on how commercial organizations and technical communicators can become valuable members of these new communities that are gaining prominence in global use.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2011-01-01
DOI
10.2190/tw.41.4.c
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Cited by in this index (5)

  1. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  2. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  3. Communication Design Quarterly
  4. Communication Design Quarterly
  5. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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