<P> Economically, virtual communities can be commercially successful, making money through membership fees, subscriptions, usage fees, and advertising commission . Consumers generally feel very comfortable making transactions online provided that the seller has a good reputation throughout the community . Virtual communities also provide the advantage of disintermediation in commercial transactions, which eliminates vendors and connects buyers directly to suppliers . Disintermediation eliminates pricey mark - ups and allows for a more direct line of contact between the consumer and the manufacturer . </P> <P> While instant communication means fast access, it also means that information is posted without being reviewed for correctness . It is difficult to choose reliable sources because there is no editor who reviews each post and makes sure it is up to a certain degree of quality . </P> <P> In theory, online identities can be kept anonymous which enables people to use the virtual community for fantasy role playing as in the case of Second Life's use of avatars . Some professionals urge caution with users who use online communities because predators also frequent these communities looking for victims who are vulnerable to online identity theft or online predators . </P>

Risks and opportunities present in a virtual community