This is so counterintutive to a scientist.
But liberating. In fact, I am skeptical that we can “do science” in the sort of issues our clients (and we) care about.
Here is a statement. What do you think about it, @amelia?
In an online community, participant observation comes relatively easy and is a relatively natural stance. With few cues to mark an outsider from insiders, the researcher is normally perceived as just another user, and blends in with the community with little effort.