The Power of Curation and Building for Believers in Building Strong Online Communities

The Power of Curation and Building for Believers in Building Strong Online Communities

Introduction:
In the ever-expanding digital landscape, the need for effective information curation and the establishment of thriving online communities has become increasingly important. This article explores the concept of curation as the network's second layer and the significance of building communities with believers at the core. By connecting these seemingly separate ideas, we can uncover the potential for self-organization and meaningful interactions within the online realm.

The Network Second Layer: RSS Newsmastering and Curation:
One of the emerging trends in the digital world is the concept of curation, often referred to as the network's second layer. The idea behind this is that a vast network of sites dedicated to curating information should form, creating a self-organized ecosystem. This network would gather information from various sources and transform it into highly targeted resource feeds, benefiting users seeking specialized content.

The process of curation involves interpreting and clustering information generated in multiple places, resulting in composite and highly specific resources. By utilizing tools like RSS (Really Simple Syndication), curation platforms like Edu_RSS can aggregate and deliver relevant content to users, saving them time and effort in searching for information across the web.

Building for Believers: The Power of Community:
When it comes to building successful online communities, starting with believers is crucial. Believers are individuals who are already highly committed to the cause or activity that the community revolves around. By targeting these individuals, community builders can harness their passion and motivation to establish a strong foundation.

Lowering the barrier to entry is an essential aspect of building for believers. Gradually ramping up the commitment curve with incrementally harder asks allows individuals to build trust and familiarity with the community. For example, Meetup and Airbnb started by asking new members to engage in smaller actions, such as reading a blog post or watching a video, before progressing to more significant contributions like hosting a meetup or posting a listing.

Finding Community-Member-Fit (CMF):
To identify the right members for a community, it is crucial to focus on finding Community-Member-Fit (CMF). CMF refers to members who consistently provide meaningful value to each other without being prompted. Instead of replicating how established communities operate, it is essential to replicate how they began. Meetup and Airbnb, for instance, started with themselves, targeting individuals who were already highly committed to the cause.

Starting with a small group of true believers, rather than aiming for a large number of members, is key to establishing a thriving community. The initial focus should be on finding individuals who are already attempting to engage in the activities or events that the community offers but have had limited success. By providing them with the support and resources they need, these individuals can become the driving force behind the community's growth.

Actionable Advice:

1. Identify and engage with individuals who have the motivation but have not yet achieved success in the area your community focuses on. These individuals are more likely to embrace the community and actively participate in its growth.
2. Gradually increase the level of commitment required from new members. Start with small asks and build up to more significant contributions as trust and familiarity develop.
3. Leverage tools like RSS to curate and deliver highly targeted and specialized content to community members. This not only saves them time but also enhances their overall experience within the community.

Conclusion:
The power of curation and building communities with believers at the core cannot be understated in today's digital landscape. By tapping into the potential of the network's second layer and focusing on finding Community-Member-Fit, online communities can self-organize, provide valuable resources, and foster meaningful connections among members. By implementing the actionable advice provided, community builders can lay the groundwork for a thriving and engaged online community.