Community is the heart of blogging. It makes the web more than just an ‘information highway’. That’s why it’s no secret that I’m all for community and community-building.
But, I’ve been thinking more and more about not just my own blog community – but other bloggers’ communities too. And, even the greater community in general. I’ve been wondering about how people define, build, engage, and grow communities.
You see, I believe that all bloggers are community leaders and managers. At the same time, we are part of other people’s communities. And, I’m interested to know how people view these roles.
If you’re a blogger – Who do you consider as members of your community? Which communities do you really consider yourself a part of? How do you interact and participate in your community?
Anyway, as you probably can tell, I’m thinking of launching another special project on this subject. Well, it’s more like a challenge, really. Or rather, a series of community-driven challenges.
With the challenge/s, I hope to learn more about – and to reach out to – my community. And, to encourage other people to do the same.
So, hopefully, you’ll join me and take up the challenge/s too. If you’re game, write a little something about blog communities in your own blog then add your link here:
Kari (3)
Mitch Mitchell (3)
eds (2)
Rachel Cotterill (2)
Anne (1)
bcylady (1)
Connie (1)
Jazzille (1)
macy (1)
Mel W (1)
Hi Shai! I threw up a quick attempt at writing about communities, but I think it may take a mini-series to be able to get all my thoughts out. It’s a topic that I have a ton of ideas and thoughts about, but writing them in an organized manner is a challenge
I look forward to hearing more from you about it!
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I agree with Steve – it’s a huge topic! I’ve added my thoughts and look forward to the discussion.
Cheers
Phil
P.S. how’s the exercise coming along?
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Steve and Phil: Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on web communities. I enjoyed reading your take on this subject. And, I definitely look forward to reading more.
P.S. @ Phil: Still waiting to get an all-clear from my doctor to start exercising. I’ve got my 6th-week post-delivery check-up coming next week and I’m hoping for a green signal. But, at the very least, I’m trying to be more and more mobile every day after the operation. Thanks for checking up on me!
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Community is interesting and I think online communities really mirror real life communities. You have your leaders, you have your core group of people and then you have your leaches.
I think bloggers are the core of the community. I see leaders who help to bring blogs together and help them be the best they can be. This can range anywhere from a commenter on a blog all the way up to Blog Network Managers.
Then there are those who try to manipulate the community only to further themselves; always looking for a way to cheat the system.
As Steve said I could go on and on about it but in a nutshell that is my thoughts. Would make a good exercise Shai for people to link to each other’s ideas
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Shai Coggins reply on January 31st, 2008:
Thanks for your thoughts on this, Steve. I do bloggers definitely have a big place in the online community. And yes, it’ll be great to link to all the great ideas.
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