I’d really like to see those of us who work in community, particularly online community, get away from the phrase “community building”. I’ve never liked it but for lack of a better term or in order to help people understand community, I’ve been using the darn phrase for about 10 years. I’m really done with it. I’m not done with these Seven Principles though.
If you read through those principles, it’s very basic, easy even. Be honest, open and interesting. And show respect for the people who make up your community.
It’s about basic human relations, and creating a strong foundation for long-term, two-way mutually beneficial relationship.
It’s just that easy. Really.
What kind of relationship do you have with your community if you don’t talk, if you don’t listen, if you don’t show respect, if you don’t make a personal connection?