cine + octo = boo

My early dalliances with online communities were not job related. I’ve participated in online forums, groups, and blogged in some capacity for far too many years to count. There is nothing particularly unique about this tidbit, except that the roles I typically opted to take on within these communities were clear indicators in hindsight.

These roles typically involved mediation, moderation, organization, and guidance. But when I think about these things, I’m reminded that these aspects extend well beyond online interactions for me.

Growing up, I was the kid on the block that plotted out complex daily story lines for the other kids growing up in my neighborhood. One example: I created a map, with points of interest around the neighborhood. We grew up in a court, so we had a nice amount of space, including front yards, backyards, etc. to play around with. I aged and buried the map in an open space, then I planted clues that led to the discovery of the map. Each point of interest offered either a reward, or another clue. For a solid week that map drove many backyard adventures, spurned arguments, resolved disputes, produced puzzles to solve, and centered on discovery and participation. As the game progressed, I changed my plans to cater to the needs of those involved, and finally planted prizes to be discovered at each point of interest on the map.

I was, to put a label on it, an obsessive geek.

I could dig deeper into examples, but I think you get the point. In college I became a Resident Advisor, and eventually an Asst. Resident Director. There is something about the mix of entertainment, participation, and problem solving that allures me to these types of roles.

All of this is Community Management related.

When I arrived at Yahoo!, as a Search Editor, I was pretty surprised to find elements of this in my editorial work — understanding and identifying user needs, crafting means to influence rather than direct, and making product recommendations to drive participation while addressing community issues. I carried a lot of this over into my product management role, as well.

The more I talk with others working in online communities, the more I find that the same holds true: the entry point is typically not directly into community, but through some sort of evolving process leading up to a community role. These discussions bring another point to the forefront: everyone’s experiences vary from community to community (and product to product), yet there is a real desire to have some sort of support system in place.

This was the catalyst. Our field is growing increasingly more prominent…and crowded. Claims of expertise from self-proclaimed “social media and community gurus” can make things even more confusing. The resources are out there, but they are far more piecemeal than they should be. Additionally, while so much of our work takes place behind a desk, basking in the soft glow of a laptop screen or monitor, there is still a good portion that should (and could) benefit from stepping away from that grind and discussing these issues face to face, outside of the bustle of large conferences.

So, that birthed the Community Speak Up: an effort to gather a group of community inclined individuals together on a monthly basis in a “no bullshit” and “no judgment” environment to share and discuss issues that really matter. Don’t worry, this is an open discussion so boundaries and comfort levels will be respected. Essentially, we would like to open the discussion up to whatever topic comes to mind.

Here are a few we’ve been chewing on lately:

• The evolution and growth of the Community Management field.
• Standards, best practices, and tips.
• What it takes to work in online communities.
• Career growth.
• Fostering support and resources.

These are just a few things that come to mind, but the ongoing agenda would ultimately be up to you. What do you want to discuss? How can we work together to support one another?

I hope you’ll join us on October 28, 2009 at 12pm at the Current SF offices (located in the SOMA across from the ballpark). Seating will be limited, and we are asking that you bring lunch with you (thanks!). Please RSVP here, and please help spread the word by using the hashtag #communityspeakup when you tweet.