Once it was possible to set up discussion lists (or similar forums) that would, eventually, and essentially become self-sustaining, and fairly self regulating. Many such professional groups (which were for sharing and learning) emerged and ran successfully for a number of years. HRNET, for example ran successfully without almost any leadership or tending. Others, also.

But that was then, and what it takes to open and run a forum, or professional list, has changed. An online community needs far more nurturing and gardening than it did before. When they die, it’s not because the format is outdated, but it’s because what worked before no longer works. If you run a learning community, you need to lead, and you need to garden.

It’s a tough job, all the worse because it tends to be thankless, and unpaid. However, before trying to build a community in a real sense, where people participate and come to care about each other as individuals and the community as a whole, evaluate your commitment level. And, have a plan to stimulate the community into growing.

Otherwise, you will fail, and you may end up blaming the people you thought you were trying to serve.

Comments?