Web Based Communities:

A Feasibility Study for the Natural Bodybuilding Community

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

          Importance of the Study

          Purpose of Study

          Overview of the Study

          Problem Statement

          Rationale of the Study

          Scope of Study

          Definition of Terms

                    Net Terms

                    Bodybuilding Terms

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

          Introduction

          The Bodybuilding Community

          Definition of Community

          Definition of Web Based Community

          Ethnography

          History of Web Based Communities

          Purpose of a Web Based Community

          Strategies for Designing Successful Web Communities

          Characteristics of Web Based Communities

          Types of Web Based Communities

          Technical Aspects

          Defining Success

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

          Introduction

          Approach

          Data Gathering Method

          Database of Study

          Validity of Data

          Originality and Limitation of Data

          Summary

CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS

          Introduction

          The History of Bodybuilding

          Eugen Sandow

          The AAU, IFBB and NPC

          The Drug Problem

          Why Natural Athletes cannot succeed in the IFBB

          Natural Bodybuilding Organizations

          Data Analysis

          Reasons for Choosing Google to determine Online Community Presence

          Data Limitations

          Possible Errors and Omissions

          Data Reliability

          Significant Findings

CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

          Introduction

          Results of the Study

          Conclusions

          The Six P’s of Successful Web Based Communities

References