Systers: Contradictions in Community

Systers is a 13-year old online community for technical women. Substantial growth in the membership (from an initial group of 12 to over 2300 today), and of the Internet generally, has changed the nature of this community. We report empirical research leading to redesign of Systers’ online community resources. Systers must serve an increasingly diverse membership. Newcomers desire more and broader discussion and services whereas long-time members tend to prefer limited interaction. Redesign must grapple with a fundamental tension between the goals of successful members who act as mentors and community leaders, and those needing support, who tend to participate more actively in the community.