You don't suppose anyone in a corporate environment would pay attention to this, do you? Some of my most innovative ideas have been conceived doing something entirely outside my workgroup...

A Group Is Its Own Worst Enemy.

A Group Is Its Own Worst Enemy
The reason we initially get involved in communities is often not the reason that keeps us motivated to stay on - we grow as people...and communities grow and evolve. For example, when I'm learning a new subject (or exploring a new field of interest), my reasons for joining a community are to learn. After a period of time, once I've acquired the language and have an understanding of main concepts of the field, my involvement moves to participation. If I'm truly passionate about the field, I may begin to try and impact directions (i.e. contribute at a "meta-level").
This article has a focus on the technology side of communities (and while this us very necessary) I'm more interested in how ANY community - virtual or face to face - evolves, yet maintains relevance to beginners and veterans...while meeting the changing needs of why people are involved. I think of The Well as an example of a community that was once vibrant...but has failed to grow with the changing needs of how people organize online. A growing community is like an ecology - based on the environment...certain things will "grow"...and others won't. A physical environment cannot be home to every type of plant/animal because of its own ecology. Same for the gathering of people. Each community is unique. What works in one will not work in another...and what works today may not work tomorrow.

[elearnspace blog]

9:39:02 PM