Jirotka, MarinaLuff, PaulGilbert, Nigel2017-04-152017-04-151991978-94-011-3506-1This paper is concerned with the development of a more complex view of the analysis of social interactions in CMC systems. There is an apparent paradox in findings of previous studies of text-based CMC which may be due to the nature of this type of communication for it requires users to orient to two models: conversation and text. This is illustrated by showing the detailed analysis of instances of interactions on a particular CMC system. By utilising the notion of feedback and exploring its function in conversation, we emphasize the need for a more refined view of the relationship between speaker, hearer and feedback. We draw on Goffman's analysis of social encounters and offer a preliminary view of the contributions that participation frameworks and production formats can make toCSCW.enText