How to Grow Decentralized Communities and Create a Living Body of Knowledge

How to Grow Decentralized Communities and Create a Living Body of Knowledge

Introduction:

Building decentralized communities and creating a living body of knowledge are two key factors that contribute to the long-term success of any network or organization. In this article, we will explore the common points between these two concepts and provide actionable advice on how to achieve growth and foster ownership within communities.

1. Attracting Intrinsically Motivated Contributors:

When it comes to community building, it is crucial to attract primarily intrinsically motivated members rather than solely relying on extrinsic incentives. Intrinsically motivated community members form strong communities and sustain their participation even in the face of uncertain monetary rewards. On the other hand, extrinsically motivated members tend to drive away other intrinsic contributors, leading to weak communities.

To avoid this pitfall, it is important to focus marketing efforts on what differentiates the community rather than solely emphasizing financial incentives. By creating opportunities for intrinsically motivated contributors to discover the community, you can attract individuals who are genuinely interested in the cause and are more likely to contribute in the long run.

2. Fostering Minimum Viable Contributors:

To build a strong relationship with new community members, it is essential to foster minimum viable participation. This means creating an environment where individuals can contribute at their own pace and feel valued for their efforts. Here are three strategies to achieve this:

a) Community Member Self-Signaling: Enable people to self-signal their intentions and interests within the community. By providing clear call-to-actions for different types of community contributors, you can surface individuals who align with the community's goals and values.

b) Relationship Building and Member Success: Focus on building meaningful relationships with community members and supporting their success. By providing mentorship, guidance, and resources, you can empower individuals to become active contributors and advocates for the community.

c) Directing Opportunities for Participation: Instead of relying solely on monetary rewards, think of them as a means to acknowledge the value that community members bring to the table. Direct individuals towards opportunities to participate and contribute their skills, knowledge, and expertise. This will help them develop a sense of ownership and pride in the community.

3. Cultivating Community Ownership:

Community ownership is a crucial aspect of long-term community success. However, it takes time and effort for members to develop a sense of ownership. To foster this mentality, consider the following strategies:

a) Familiarity and Investment: Create opportunities for community members to grow familiar with the community and invest their time and energy. As they become more involved, they are more likely to develop a sense of ownership and commitment.

b) Acknowledging Value: Recognize and appreciate the value that community members bring to the community. Highlight their contributions and provide avenues for them to showcase their expertise. When individuals feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to develop a sense of ownership.

c) Retaining Key Contributors: To retain key community contributors, it is essential to provide ongoing support and opportunities for growth. Foster an environment where community members feel heard, supported, and empowered to take on leadership roles. By nurturing their development, you can ensure a strong foundation of ownership within the community.

Conclusion:

Growing decentralized communities and creating a living body of knowledge are intertwined processes that require careful planning, nurturing, and fostering of relationships. By attracting intrinsically motivated contributors, fostering minimum viable participation, and cultivating community ownership, organizations can create strong, resilient communities that thrive in the long run. Remember, the key to success lies in building meaningful connections, valuing individual contributions, and providing ongoing support for growth and development.