According to Markus (2002), virtual community types may have social, professional, or commercial orientations.

Characteristics of virtual community
(Characterizing the Virtual Community, 2002).
As seen in the figure, social oriented community types can have two different purposes:
- Relationship building
- Entertainment
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Two types of communities tend to build relationships.
First, we have the community of interest, where the members establish relationships to share and discuss about a common personal interest resulting from geographical proximity, demographic similarity, or a common hobby such as music.
Secondly, we have the social community, which first and main purpose is to create relationships, make new friends, and interact and communicate with other people.
ENTERTAINMENT
Participating in virtual communities that focus on "entertainment" is the same as pursuing a hobby. The entertainment communities, or communities at play, might be adventure or game environments or just popular chat rooms. Relationships can also be built in virtual entertainment communities, although the main reason for entering this type of community is the quest for entertainment and diversion.
REFERENCE LIST
Characterizing the Virtual Community [Image] (2002). Retrieved May 6, 2009, from http://www.sapdesignguild.org/editions/edition5/print_communities.asp
Markus, U. (2002). Characterising the virtual community. Retrieved May 6, 2009, from http://www.sapdesignguild.org/editions/edition5/print_communities.asp
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