It's funny you say that John. I used to frequent SMC's predecessor, Badger Pond. I was new to the internet and new to online forums. And I just couldnt figure out why Wayne (?) was doing all the work to keep up that site FOR FREE. One theory I had, was that he was a grad student doing sociology research for a PhD. And when the site closed down, one explanation could have been that he'd finished up that doctorate. NOW, I know that wasnt the case, but it was something I wondered then, from time to time. You could definitely use an online forum to study how people join and integrate into a social community. (Bet a bunch of work's been done already that I just dont know about.)
Fred