Copyright liability for users and distributors of content sharing and communication technologies: a crossroads between past and present

In the last decade or so, society has seen the beginnings of a digital revolution where innovation and technological advancement met and changed the way in which people use digital technology. This has only increased the ambit of confusion between the law and technology innovation. This is evident with the creation and distribution of content sharing and communication technologies such as peer-to-peer, network distributive systems, file sharing software and other technology enabling software where users are able to share and access information. The recurring issues that appear throughout case precedent have reinforced the uncertainty and confusion over the interpretation of authorisation. This paper will explore the concept of authorisation and evaluate the courts' interpretation of what constitutes an authorisation of infringement with respect to technology innovators of communication technologies. This will be achieved through a discussion of the cases that explored ‘authorisation’ through the genealogy of authorisation. It is important to discuss the history of authorisation first, and then evaluate how the courts have interpreted ‘authorisation’. This paper will demonstrate how the interpretation of authorisation has created ambiguity and uncertainty for technology innovators and developers.     

Determinants of success for online communities: an empirical study

Although online communities can significantly facilitate collaboration among Internet users, the determinants of success of online communities have seldom been studied empirically. Using the updated DeLone and McLean information systems success model as a theoretical framework, this study proposes a research model to examine the determinants for successful use of online communities. Based on a survey of 165 community members, this study uses structural equation modelling (SEM) approach to investigate the research model. The analytical results strongly support the appropriateness of the research model in identifying the determinants of success of online communities. The analytical results also showed that system quality, information quality and service quality had a significant effect on member loyalty through user satisfaction and behavioural intention to use the online community. Finally, this study discusses the implications of these findings and offer directions for future research.     

Determinants of success for online communities: an empirical study

Although online communities can significantly facilitate collaboration among Internet users, the determinants of success of online communities have seldom been studied empirically. Using the updated DeLone and McLean information systems success model as a theoretical framework, this study proposes a research model to examine the determinants for successful use of online communities. Based on a survey of 165 community members, this study uses structural equation modelling (SEM) approach to investigate the research model. The analytical results strongly support the appropriateness of the research model in identifying the determinants of success of online communities. The analytical results also showed that system quality, information quality and service quality had a significant effect on member loyalty through user satisfaction and behavioural intention to use the online community. Finally, this study discusses the implications of these findings and offer directions for future research.     

Exploring mindlessness as an explanation for the media equation: a study of stereotyping in computer tutorials

This study extends previous media equation research by empirically testing the mindlessness explanation of media equation behaviour. The current study explored the potential moderating effect of mood on media equation behaviour. Specifically, the study assessed whether participants’ tendency to stereotype when interacting with a computer varied as a function of mood. Seventy-six undergraduate students were exposed to either a positive or negative mood manipulation and then completed a computer-based tutorial on car engines. The tutorial was presented using either a male or female synthesised voice. Participants’ affective state, attitudes and opinions were assessed via questionnaire. Female participants in a positive mood showed a greater propensity to gender-stereotype computers than female participants in a negative mood, suggesting that media equation behaviour is more likely to result when people are in a mindless state. Male participants, however, did not show the same pattern of behaviour.