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| mc2 Communities: Success & Sustainability |
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Points to Consider when Creating CommunitiesThere have been great changes in what we mean by community, particularly since the development of Online Communities: those that exist in a virtual sense. Technology has had an impact on the way we live our lives, and also affects the ways we interact with other people. It could be argued that just as technology affects us, we also affect it. How we use it and what we do with it gives it meaning. Without people, computers would mean nothing. The tools that can be used to create an online community group are only of value if people know how to, and want to use them.
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Either getting an existing community group online, or forming a new virtual group can be a challenging endeavour. Not only do you need to make sure the basics are covered, such as access to an Internet-enabled PC and that your (potential) members know how to use email and a web browser, but you have to provide your members with the knowledge of how to register, subscribe and interact online.
Selling the idea of an online community may not be easy, and there are a variety of reasons as to why you may find it difficult to get people to join, or if they do subscribe to a group you've created, why they may not be considered 'active'. If people feel as though an online community would be nothing more that additional work, then they are less likely to become involved on a regular basis, and regularity is one of the keys to having, and maintaining an active and successful group.
An online community can be used in a variety of ways:
Here are four important factors to consider in creating a 'successful' online community:
One particularly critical factor in getting people to mc2 is that there is a purpose. If it is an existing group that has decided that it would benefit by being online then, to a large extent, a purpose already exists. The reason for why this group is already operational (whether it be a cause, a service, a commonality or a special interest) may simply be transposed onto mc2, and rather than spending money on postage for newsletters, or phone calls to arrange meetings, all this can be done online. However questions must also be posed, such as: what is it the group hopes to accomplish by being online? What are the goals and expectations? Are they relatively specific? Clear enough to be promoted to new members?
The importance of developing principles and guidelines very early on cannot be underestimated; in fact, some people have suggested that it is important to at least draft such documents prior to even creating the community. Such a process is very much tied to the group's purpose. It gives the online community a starting point, a framework for how it may operate, and guidelines for things such as behaviour in a chat room and plans for the use of the various web tools available.
Most community groups also have existing structures in place with regards to the dissemination of information and the organisation of activities, and it is important to take this into consideration when working with a group. For example, does the group you propose to train and bring online have people who are responsible for certain tasks, and if so, will they also be responsible for the online tasks? Developing online communities with existing community groups relies upon ongoing cooperation, giving all members a sense of ownership and involvement.
Another very important point is identifying and training moderators. It is becoming increasingly clear that the role of the moderator is a critical factor in the success of a group. Unless someone is willing to take the responsibility to do things such as approve membership when requested, update information shared, answer questions, approve links/events, then the momentum of the group may suffer. When identifying and training Owners and Moderators of groups it is important to emphasis how crucial their role is. Not only must the have the technology skills, but also good people skills.
These people are particularly crucial in the early stages of developing an online community, as once a critical mass of participants has joined, then to a certain degree momentum will be generated. Others may then be recruited along the way to share the moderating tasks and alleviate the responsibility being placed on only one or two people. Moderators may also be required, at times, to remind participants of their purposes and responsibilities. They must be supported in many ways, if the group is to be sustainable.
It must also be noted that it is even more crucial to consider these points if the intended participants are coming to a group created and started at mc2, as opposed to being involved in a group that considers themselves an already defined community. There are more challenges involved in creating a group at mc2 and then having to recruit a membership base. Approaching members and explaining the benefits of mc2, and even training them in the use of it is still only a part of the process.
This is why ongoing support is such an important factor in the success of a group. People must feel as though it is worth their while, that they are gaining something from regularly participating. One thing to remember is that you are competing for people's time and attention, against all the other things that people do in their lives. An online community should not just be more work. It should be an enriching and fulfilling experience for all participants.
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