In composing a proposal for a company intent on community building, I reflected on what is community; what encourages people to use/belong to a community?

I think that it is the right blend of uniqueness and alikeness.

UNIQUENESS — what is the benefit to the individual
- information they can use for work or life
- positive ethics within Community
- members may gain a benefit in world outside Community — renown, job, mate, etc.
- members may work towards “star” status within one or more communities
- cult / elite “insider” status
- coolness factor
- people want to be given credit (paid in accolades or money) for their input
- people want to be heard; complaints addressed, software problems addressed
- people want to express themselves
- people feel valued, smart, and important
- users have to see individual benefits to themselves

ALIKENESS — what is the benefit to the Community
- positive ethics within Community
- grassroots appeal
- usability
- people want to help others (most want to be known for it)
- people like to feel part of a team
- sense of communality
- trust and respect within the Community
– copyright 2007 Aliyah Marr

Other articles on Building Virtual Communities:

<– Article 1 :::: Article 2 :::: Article 3 –>