A Study on the Value Creation Model in English-Speaking Virtual Communities - With a Focus on Forum Members in 2D Visual Design and 3D Animation Forums

This study explores how forum members interact with each other when participating in 2D visual design or 3D animation forums. The virtual forums allow sharing knowledge in English. A content analysis, observations, and survey investigation were the methods for collecting data. As a result, the analysis encompassed 2,081 messages posted on forty English-speaking forums for observing forum knowledge-sharing structures. The data set also includes 206 valid survey responses. The findings indicate that forum members have different knowledge levels in the 2D or 3D design fields. The numbers of forum members willing to reply Q&A questions on a forum discussion board may be an indicator of the quality of active operation of the forum. Finally, this study suggests posting some senior forum members´ identities (photo and personal information) with their consent. In addition, results indicate enhancements to the functions of forums´ discussion boards would allow automatic categorization of proposed Q&A questions and then directly send them to the proper senior members via email. The value of online forums is expected to contribute to effective interaction among members.