Lynn Thompson, Terrie. "Work‐learning in informal online communities: evolving spaces." Information Technology & People 24.2 (2011): 184-196.

This study delves into the engagement of self-employed workers in informal online communities for the purpose of work-related learning. Through semi-structured interviews with 11 own-account self-employed individuals, the research uncovers how these workers navigate online spaces to fulfill their learning needs. It identifies key behaviors such as leveraging the fluidity of online environments, playing with boundaries, and integrating these spaces with work practices. The study highlights the challenges faced by these individuals, including managing personal exposure, the forced nature of community engagement, and the multifunctionality of online spaces. The findings suggest a shift towards more networked forms of online participation and raise important considerations for future research, practitioners, and policymakers regarding the dynamics of online communities and the implications of pervasive connectivity.