I've been reflecting about online communities and what they represent. I have helped my customers create them and have joined a few others as a member. I recently joined Triiibes.com started by Seth Godin and the experience has been wonderfully eye-opening. He takes leadership seriously.
In his post called "When in doubt, (don't) follow the money" Seth said "I smiled a bit when I saw a few posts from people who suggested I started the Triibe group as some sort of grand scheme to sell books."
As a long-time marketer I have to smile as well. No one sets out to create a real community with their heart and soul as a "promotion." A community takes work to build. If you want something wonderful and sustainable you have to put effort in to shape it and nuture it. It's not something you do to earn money.
My concern is that social networking groups have given participants the idea that a real online community should be a free-for-all. To build a real group it takes leadership and vision. Slackers need not apply.
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I feel so exciting after reading your blog. Perfect! More reading more clever. Thank you very much. If you work more hard, you maybe do more achievement.
Posted by: Supra Skytop | July 30, 2010 at 03:04 AM
I know this comment is 2 years late. But you really did a good job on your article. Leadership is responsibility. Excellent writer!
Posted by: Bookwhirl | July 13, 2010 at 08:12 AM
I have been deeply appealing by your excellent blog. Thank you for sharing this articles and It reminds me a lot of things that are worth to do.
Posted by: Nike Shox CL | June 30, 2010 at 12:07 AM
You hit upon something I have been thinking about alot lately - building community. I am feeling that starting to happen on my blog - and it has taken work to get there. But it's also what I have found that I crave - and what makes blogging worthwhile for me. At first I had thoughts of this being a money-making proposition. Now, I see it as a way to build community with like-minded individuals. If there comes a point where this is profitable, great. If not, that's great also. It is really becoming an awakening for me just to write and converse with those who visit.
Posted by: Lance | August 16, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Stephanie -- good post.
A week ago I asked the question below on LinkedIn and was amused when several people were so vocal about this being JUST a book selling scheme.
As an early member of Triiibes I can say without reservation that my participation in Triiibes has been the most productive social media experience that I have had -- bar none.
"Are you a member of Seth Godin's Triiibes.com - a social network?
Earlier this week Seth Godin opened up membership in Triiibes.com, a new social network, and instantly filled the available memberships.
If you are already a member of Triiibes.com I'd like to know why you joined and what business benefit or advantage that you think it will have.
If you are not a member yet -- Seth just opened up the next round of memberships at http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/07/are-you-in-the.html"
Posted by: John Lawlor | August 12, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Keith, check out Seth's blog. One of his recent posts talks about how to get invited.
Posted by: Stephanie Diamond | August 09, 2008 at 11:12 AM
hiya Stephanie
picked up this via your RSS feed. Any chance of an invite to this? I am a co-founder of dbtwang.com, a startup aimed at guitar collectors and passionists and this would be a great opportunity to learn as part of that.
keith
Posted by: keith bohanna | August 09, 2008 at 06:12 AM