communities

I was thinking about what creates a community and holds them together. Specifically communities which are formed naturally by people who are interested rather than a formal organization – like an open source community which works on a problem. Some thoughts

• Shared cause – which can excite / inspire / motivate people, something that can make people automatically follow. Irony usually is, such cause cannot be manufactured – it should be naturally (passionately) felt by the leaders, enough to articulate honestly why we should do something.
• Clear, concise articulation of problem and solution – common cause should be explained in a simple, understandable way, something that can stay in people’s minds.
• Discussion / contribution – if it is information coming from leaders with little contribution from the group, it cannot grow. People should feel it is their baby too who needs to nurtured and grown. There should be opportunities for anyone in the group to take a lead and suggest a change in direction.
• Need strong early contributors – while there is opportunities for all, some early contributors should be encouraged to become regular until the roots take hold and contributions become regular and habitual. For anything to become a habit, discipline in initial period is critical.
• Continuous updates – lack of information can scatter the initial interest, but the story of continuous progress will keep the group engaged.