Category: CSCW
Commentary2: In the special edition on CSCW & Groupware.
        Republished in Greenberg, 1991.
Abstract: What is computer-mediated communication used for?
        Some systems are based upon the assumption that
        communication is related to a specific task or
        action which can be captured and formalized (eg the
        Coordinator, Winograd, 1988).  Weedman noticed that
        typical asynchronous computer communication also has
        a large non-task component used for such things as
        social exchange, expressing frustrations, and so on.
        She argues that since variety and vigour of
        communication is important to successful
        collaboration, the underlying technology should be
        flexible enough to support informal as well as
        formal talk.
Number: 2
Bibtype: Article
Booktitle: International Journal of Man Machine Studies
Author: J. Weedman
Pages: 303-318
Title: Task and non-task functions of a computer conference
        used in professional education: a measure of
        flexibility
Note: asynchronous conferencing, evaluation
Year: 1991
Volume: 34