Abstract: This paper describes research focused on understanding the role of incomplete structural information about online collective action systems in participation decisions. Specifically, I use qualitative interviews to examine knowledge about and perceptions of online systems that form public goods, questioning whether the notions of public goods and social dilemmas are relevant and meaningful for individuals making real-world participation decisions. This paper also describes concurrent experimental research focused on exploring the potential relationships between structural information about online systems as public goods involving social dilemmas, an individual’s personal characteristics, and participation. Finally, this research explores the potential to use informational feedback about the characteristics of online systems as public goods to promote increased participation.