Building a community

Google got it right – there are really only two things you need to build a community (aside from a nifty logo with primary colors). All you need is


1. a common interest and

2. a way to communicate with others who're interested in it.


Now, remember, we're talking about building a community. Not about the resulting culture.


When I was at the Naval War College, I found the whole issue of the Kurds a fascinating one. The mountains almost always yield fierce fighters and the Kurds are no exception. If they were able to engage in more coordinated activity, they'd be an even more powerful force in the area.


But those same mountains that make them fierce fighters also block direct line of sight communications and the most basic radio communications. They have, at some level, a common culture. They have LOTS in common. The issue is communication. Best way to unify the Kurds would be to drop a bunch of satcomm gear in.


So suppose your problem is a good deal more mundane than unifying the Kurds. Suppose you're starting a new dog rescue group. If you're a breed rescue, you've already got that unifying interest. If you're a mixed breed rescue, you'll find your community is much stronger if you can define that unifying interest -- small breeds? Large mixes? Family dogs? Whatever it is, you want that unifying interest quite definable.


Your next question is how your adherents are going to be able to talk to each other. Phone? Email? Monthly meetings? Provide multiple paths, even paths that aren't entirely of your liking, to ensure that th needs of all types of members are met.


Do this intentionally up front -- define the common interest and allow for multiple ways of communication -- to create the strongest community.

1 comment:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)