“THE definition of a good community is one that has fights. They get into knock down drag out fights. Struggle = Growth” – #CMstory
TheCommunityManager (@TheCMgr) February 12, 2013
Thomas Knoll recently shared his brilliant CM Story with us and our community at large. We held a a live Q&A Google Hangout with him filled with loads of community management advice, laughter and some tough questions. You can watch the recording below, as well as read some tidbits from the Hangout.
On when not to manage a community:
“It’s way too easy to do way too much, and we end up snuffing out the community.” – @thomasknoll #CMStory
TheCommunityManager (@TheCMgr) February 12, 2013
On “going viral”:
“Remember, viruses can kill everything. Don’t aim to go viral, create a balanced, sustainable ecosystem” -@thomasknoll#CMstory
Evan Hamilton (@evanhamilton) February 12, 2013
On communities that die:
Dropping knowledge up in here. RT @evanhamilton: “Dying is sad.” -@thomasknoll #CMstory ow.ly/hEMQY
David Spinks (@DavidSpinks) February 12, 2013
During the live Q&A, Thomas recommended the book Community: The Structure of Belonging by Peter Block. I just finished the book and can vouch that it’s one of the most important books I’ve read.
If you enjoyed this live Q&A with Thomas, please join us for our next monthly CM Story & live Q&A with David Noël of Soundcloud.
Cali Harris (better known as Caligater) lives and salsa dances in Boulder, Colorado. She’s Managing Editor for The Community Manager and works at TechStars. She still clings to the Oxford comma.
Thomas is one of my favorite people on this earth. He’s also one of the smartest. Glad you had him so he could provide his awesome perspective.