I’ve been mulling over why some online communities thrive while others spiral into chaos, for some time and I’ve observed a fascinating pattern.
Imagine a fledgling online community (even a closed WhatsApp group). In its early stages, the group establishes a foundational membership base and culture. It’s akin to setting the stage for a play. Now, the key to maintaining the essence and spirit of that community lies in how it introduces new characters to this stage.
If newer members are added judiciously— curated to ensure they resonate with the community’s foundational idea—the stability is maintained. Think of it as the difference between a gentle stream versus a sudden gush from a firehose.
Controlled, deliberate addition leads to balance. Too much, too fast? Chaos ensues.
How often have we heard or ourselves said, “xyz community was fantastic, but then it just became crowded or spammy”? Such remarks aren’t mere nostalgia. They’re evidence pointing toward a decline in member curation standards.
Now, consider the vast world of ad-driven social networks. In such ecosystems, you, the user, essentially become the product. There’s a relentless push to add more “products” to their shelves, resulting in weaker curation.
This dynamic reminds me of conveyor belt factories: always striving for more without necessarily focusing on quality.
So, the next time you’re on the hunt for high-quality networks to join, don’t just look at the numbers or popularity. Dive deeper. Examine their member intake process. Ask yourself, “Who do they let in, and why?” The answer will often give you a clearer picture of the community’s quality.
The foundation and continued essence of a thriving online community hinge significantly on strong curation.
Why is this important for founders?
We all know that building a community is critical for many products. But taking the time to get the initial users right is the right way to do this.