Success Through Collaboration: What the Players of World of Warcraft Can Teach Us About Knowledge Production and Sharing in Virtual Communities

Tammy Ann Whynot

doi:10.5931/djim.v7i2.73

Authors

Tammy Ann Whynot Master of Library and Information Science Candidate, 2012; Dalhousie University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5931/djim.v7i2.73

Keywords:

Virtual Communities, Knowledge Production, Social Capital, Social Exchange, Social Orientation, World of Warcraft, Social Networks

Abstract

As of October 1, 2010, 12 million subscribers around the world play massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft (WoW). Outside of the formal framework of the game, players have established a flourishing network for the creation and sharing of knowledge. Motivations for playing the game may appear obvious—as a game, it is a form of recreation or entertainment—but why do players step outside the game world to participate in knowledge production? To this end, theories of social capital, social exchange, and social orientation offer insight and explanation. Using the WoW community as a case study, this paper illustrates how virtual communities produce and exchange knowledge through strong, voluntary, social bonds. It is also demonstrated that as a result of these activities, broader goals are met and success is achieved.

Author Biography

Tammy Ann Whynot, Master of Library and Information Science Candidate, 2012; Dalhousie University

Tammy Whynot is an MLIS candidate at Dalhousie University, in her first year of study. She is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a BA in Political Science and Comparative Religion, and St. Mary’s University with a BA in Asian Studies. She is an avid reader, gamer, and participant in online social networks, with an interest in how these activities intersect to result in the sharing of information and creation of knowledge. She currently resides in Halifax with her cat, She-Ra.

References

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Success Through Collaboration: What the Players of World of Warcraft Can Teach Us About Knowledge Production and Sharing in Virtual Communities

Authors

DOI:

Keywords:

Abstract

Author Biography

Tammy Ann Whynot, Master of Library and Information Science Candidate, 2012; Dalhousie University

References

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