Software, shareware and freeware: multiplex commitment to an electronic social exchange system
研究了37位Apple Newton共享软件作者的多重承诺模式，发现他们对用户、其他作者和新闻组有承诺，这影响了他们编写的软件数量和愿意付出的牺牲程度。
Abstract We observe the behavior of 37 authors of shared (i.e., non‐commercial) software for the Apple Newton in terms of multiplex commitment (committed to multiple related targets) and the helping behaviors directed at these multiple related targets. The behavior of these shared software authors show a pattern of commitment to related targets consistent with our expectations of multiplex commitment and relationships to two helping behaviors (the number of shared software programs produced, and the degree of sacrifice expected with that shared software). The related targets of commitment were the users of the software, other shared software authors, and the newsgroup that served as the electronic social exchange system, but not the FTP site that enabled the exchange or the Listserv that served as an additional electronic social exchange system. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.