Hanging on the ‘wire

Abstract

The primary focus of this article is an analysis of an audio-only media space from a computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) perspective. To explore whether audio by itself is suitable for shared media systems, we studied a workgroup using an audio-only media space. This media space, called Thunderwire, combined high-quality audio with open connec-tions to create a shared space for its users. The two-month field study provided a richly nuanced understanding of this audio spaces social use. The system afforded rich sociable interactions. As well, users were able to create a useful, usable social space; however, through an analysis of the social norms that the participants formulated, we show that they had to take into account being in an audio-only environment. Within the field study, then, audio by itself was sufficient for a usable media space and a useful social space, but users were forced to adapt to many audio-only and system conditions. The article also considers audios implications for privacy.

End-User Privacy in Human-Computer Interaction

“…For example, Kobsa points out that personalization technologies "may be in conflict with privacy concerns of computer users, and with privacy laws that are in effect in many countries" [179]. 6 Furthermore, Kobsa and Shreck note that users with strong privacy concerns often take actions that can undermine personalization, such as providing false registration information on web sites [180]. Trewin even claims that control of privacy should take precedence over the use of personal information for personalization purposes, but acknowledges that such control may increase the complexity of the user interface [281].…”

Privacy Considerations in Awareness Systems: Designing with Privacy in Mind

“…On the technical side, technology prevents attempted misuse. Social controls are likely to work well only within a small, relatively tight-knit community [Dourish 1993;Ackerman, Starr et al 1997]. Even then, they may result in very strong protection behavior such as turning the system off, or altering one's work habits [Mantei, Baecker et al 1991].…”

WatchMe: Communication and Awareness Between Members of a Closely-Knit Group

“…Some systems have focused on awareness solely through audio. Thunderwire [1] was an audio-only shared space for a distributed group. It was essentially a continuously open conference call in which anything said by anyone could be heard by all.…”