Comments on: Do Communities Disband or Fail? http://jeffparks.ca/index.php/community/do-communities-disband-or-fail/ Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:38:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Jeff Parks http://jeffparks.ca/index.php/community/do-communities-disband-or-fail/comment-page-1/#comment-109 Jeff Parks Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:55:59 +0000 http://www.iaconsultants.ca/index.php/2009/01/05/do-communities-disband-or-fail/#comment-109 All great points Samantha! :-) I think we need to move beyond email discussion lists and work at connecting with people in a more human way. This can be done with technology including video discussions and even something as simple, yet powerful, as twitter. The problem I have with technology as being the sole connections for communities is that it's no substitute for face-to-face interactions. I agree with your comment about timing and accessibility. My argument is if a community strives to create something remarkable for every face-to-face event, motivation and accessibility would be less of a factor than the excitement about attending the event, itself. Either way, lots of challenges and opportunities in the years ahead! :-) All great points Samantha! :-)

I think we need to move beyond email discussion lists and work at connecting with people in a more human way.

This can be done with technology including video discussions and even something as simple, yet powerful, as twitter.

The problem I have with technology as being the sole connections for communities is that it’s no substitute for face-to-face interactions. I agree with your comment about timing and accessibility.

My argument is if a community strives to create something remarkable for every face-to-face event, motivation and accessibility would be less of a factor than the excitement about attending the event, itself.

Either way, lots of challenges and opportunities in the years ahead! :-)

]]> By: Samantha LeVan http://jeffparks.ca/index.php/community/do-communities-disband-or-fail/comment-page-1/#comment-108 Samantha LeVan Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:56:57 +0000 http://www.iaconsultants.ca/index.php/2009/01/05/do-communities-disband-or-fail/#comment-108 Your post got me thinking about the reasons I stop participating in various communities. The reality for me is that I'll attend events, participate in discussion, and share expertise when it's convenient for me. Accessibility (scheduling and location) is as important to me as the focus of the community. Web communities have the benefit of being more available, and therfore flexible but lack the intimacy of meeting in person. In-person communities connect less frequently, locations may vary, and cost can sometimes be a barrier. You are absolutely right that community leaders need to listen to feedback. This should be ongoing and fluid, allowing for flexibility and change to adapt to the needs of community participants. As community participates rotate in and out, the needs will differ. Your post got me thinking about the reasons I stop participating in various communities. The reality for me is that I’ll attend events, participate in discussion, and share expertise when it’s convenient for me. Accessibility (scheduling and location) is as important to me as the focus of the community.

Web communities have the benefit of being more available, and therfore flexible but lack the intimacy of meeting in person. In-person communities connect less frequently, locations may vary, and cost can sometimes be a barrier.

You are absolutely right that community leaders need to listen to feedback. This should be ongoing and fluid, allowing for flexibility and change to adapt to the needs of community participants. As community participates rotate in and out, the needs will differ.

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