research essay + abstract

This essay examines the writing practices of the online crafting community Craftster.org in order to identify the written and unwritten rules of genres used within the community, and how the use of these genres reflects the community’s values, shared interests, and purposes. Attention is given to the operation of the community’s message boards as well as the style and format of various message board posts. Analysis of specific examples will show that as a community, Craftster.org places emphasis on anti-capitalist politics, crafting as subversive practice, handmade, creativity, cooperation, and freedom to share knowledge amongst users.