Xia, Mu, et al. "Ballot box communication in online communities." Communications of the ACM 52.9 (2009): 138-142.

This text discusses the evolution of user participation in online communities, highlighting a shift from traditional message-based interactions to non-message-based interactions through Ballot Box Communication (BBC). BBC, characterized by actions like voting, rating, and tagging, represents a simplified way of expressing user preferences and opinions, marking a significant change in how online communities operate and engage users. The importance of recognizing and understanding this new form of participation is emphasized for the successful development and sustainability of online communities.