Article Abstract

	Title:	Tech ties: making online connections in social networks
	Author:	David T. Green, Nancy L. Martin, J. Michael Pearson
	Address:	Department of Accounting, Finance, & MIS, Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60466, USA. ' Department of Management, Mail Code 4627, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901–4627, USA. ' Department of Management, Mail Code 4627, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901–4627, USA
	Journal:	International Journal of Web Based Communities 2007 - Vol. 3, No.4  pp. 460 - 467
	Abstract:	This paper examines the unique social network ties, or 'tech ties' as we call them, that are created through the use of social software (i.e., blogs, instant messaging, meetup.com). The paper discusses how tech ties: a new means for developing social networks; just as effective as non-tech ties in supporting an individual's social network; valuable even when they are weak. Examples of tech ties are also described, primarily focusing on how the Howard Dean US Presidential campaign proved to be phenomenally successful at incorporating the online medium into its fundraising and grassroots mobilisation.
	Keywords:	tech ties; social networks; social software; blogs; instant messaging; meetup.com; web based communities.
	DOI:	10.1504/IJWBC.2007.015870
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