Comments on: Build a stronger online community by empowering your members

By: David

David — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:04:30 +0000

I suppose that if you are part of a community then there has to be a set of common, shared values between all the members. Sure, some will overstep the mark but sensible moderation and peer pressure will help enforce those disciplines too..

By: Daniel

Daniel — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:28:53 +0000

Great tips to helping grow a online community. Users like to feel empowered, and keeping them happy will benefit everyone.

By: Edward

Edward — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:47:27 +0000

I agree with a lot of what Sally said. I am REALLY reluctant to give mod powers to every day members. Maybe it’s because I’m a distrusting control freak (!) but it’s so hard to do.

Even if you are okay with giving them access to certain parts of the site, I feel like there’s never any real accountability. When the going gets tough, even the most dedicated community member can turn on you and say, “Hey, I’m only a volunteer.” The “free” aspect is always a wedge issue, especially if there are other, paid staff (not necessarily in the same position).

By: Melany S.

Melany S. — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 02:44:42 +0000

The community is all about its members coming together to get something done. Letting your members feel like they are capable of effecting change in the community is excellent stimulus for them to cooperate more in the future.

By: Crystal A

Crystal A — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:57:39 +0000

We’ve introduced “Peer Moderators” to our forums and it has been a big help. Not only to me as the main Moderator but also in helping keep peace within the community. Not only does this forum member with this special privilege help keep an eye on things, but as a fellow community member he’s able to get the behind-the-post stories. This article has helped to support this program and given me a few more ideas.

By: 5 Websites About Managing Online Communities and Social Networking Websites

5 Websites About Managing Online Communities and Social Networking Websites — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:35:31 +0000

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By: dave

dave — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:09:38 +0000

I like the idea of having a group of people monitoring the community. Promoting through other communities is a great idea.

By: links for 2009-07-26 « Using technology in the voluntary and community sector

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:05:46 +0000

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By: Joshua Dodson

Joshua Dodson — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:51:49 +0000

I most enjoy the types of communities where there are very few people with all of the power and everyone else has an equal say. I guess you could say I tend towards a collaborative environment as long as the people have a vision for where they want to go and what they want to do.

By: Tom Fiberblend

Tom Fiberblend — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:18:19 +0000

I used to run a successful online forum and has problems with moderation/engagement – I used a few of these techniques to give power back to the users and it worked really well. The users were teenagers in schools so it made them feel like the owned the community – great tips!