There is an exciting phenomenon happening before our eyes. Natural human affinity is grouping large bodies of like users and enthusiasts to form communities and colonies across the web. The strength of these online communities comes from their free-will contributors and the community’s ability to self-govern without the trifling hand of commercial interests.
Subject matter ranges the gamut from thrill seekers and art buyers to binge dieters and taggers. With time, these niche communities attract more and more experts and advice seekers. Successful online communities can become both wide-scale congregations of like-minded individuals and the definitive “go-to” on a given topic or industry.
The principle is simple. A room full of mechanics is probably the best place to ask about your transmission problem. Likewise a room full of mechanics is also the best place to vet a new automotive product, fish for insight on industry needs, or for Craftsman to get advice on a tool recycling program prior to public introduction.
What if there was a way to nourish and grow a community model around a business model? Or leverage an existing community into something that is equally beneficial for a business and community members?
This blog is about exploring the possibilities stemming from the online community age. We will evaluate trends and failures, human intuitive online communities, community platforms, community design & development, tested search methodologies and most important of all, the end user, without whom there is no community.
So punch the RSS. I relying on you to tell me what sucks, what doesn’t, and what you need to know.
Nicholas Ramirez
