Community Step 1 – Be Passionate

Last night’s class on online communities was enlightening. I was able to ask many questions that were very important to me. There is still a little mystery involved in what is deemed an “online community manager” and also what an actual online community is. My impression is that it can be anything from a forum format to a blog with comments.  My general feeling is that there is a lot of room for interpretation. The determining factor is that there is interaction between users and the manager.  It was interesting to hear how some of the speakers shied away from communicating with its members and some insisted on it.  Clint and Karen made a great point that it really depends on the project and scope.  In addition, I think it depends on your passion for the community.  You are more likely to step in and comment on issues and answer posts if you are really passionate about the topic.

Truthfully, I am mostly impressed with the format of these classes. In the Intro to Online Communities, I feel empowered every time I leave class.  I know it sounds cheesy but my mind is going crazy during and after class.  It is a fantastic feeling, almost like we are our own mini think-tank. 

The trip home is intense as I start pitching ideas to myself!  I have literally came home and registered 5 new domain names in the duration of these three classes!  I have even installed a domain look-up feature on my iPhone for just this reason.

Getting back on topic — be passsionate when choosing a community to manage or create.  That was an incredible  sounding point.   I am passionate about so many things but it soon narrows when you think how you can bring a community to the web.  So what do I like?  What are my interests?

I am lucky because the web is so much part of my life.  However,  I am a horrible community member. I use the communities to consume information and do very little to interact.  For me, these communities have solved countless technical problems and my work has benefited from it.  Now, with this new found respect for communities and the search for my passion, I have a different perspective.  I am very excited and passionate about starting a new community.  But what kind?