The Next Generation of Community Infrastructure and the Ethos of the Digital Garden

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Sep 21, 2023

3 min read

0

The Next Generation of Community Infrastructure and the Ethos of the Digital Garden

Introduction:

In today's digital age, communities are essential for driving meaningful connections and creating sustainable competitive advantages. However, the current community tech stack is fragmented, hindering the full potential of communities. On the other hand, the concept of digital gardening offers a unique approach to organizing and presenting information on the web. By exploring the commonalities between the next generation of community infrastructure and the ethos of the digital garden, we can uncover valuable insights and actionable advice for community builders.

Fragmented Community Tech Stack:

Currently, communities rely on various individual solutions that are not specifically designed for community purposes. This lack of bespoke tools creates confusion for community members, who have to navigate multiple platforms such as email, Slack, and Zoom. To overcome this challenge, communities need a platform that ties all their point solutions together, enabling seamless communication and efficient collaboration. By leveraging the power of modularity, a platform model can unlock the full potential of communities and allow community point solutions to scale as communities grow.

The Power of the Digital Garden:

The concept of the digital garden originated from Mark Bernstein's 1998 essay on "Hypertext Gardens." It refers to a way of organizing and presenting information on the web that moves away from time-bound streams and embraces contextual knowledge spaces. The digital garden is iterative, integrative, and constantly evolving, resembling a real garden. It encourages the exploration of interconnected ideas and allows for a more personal and unique expression of oneself.

Connecting the Dots:

The next generation of community infrastructure and the ethos of the digital garden share common themes. Both aim to create spaces where ideas and knowledge can grow and evolve over time. In the fragmented community tech stack, a platform model can serve as the fertile soil that nurtures the growth of communities. Similarly, the digital garden provides a framework for organizing and refining ideas publicly, allowing for a more thoughtful and intentional approach to community building.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Embrace Modularity: Community builders should seek platforms that offer modularity, allowing for seamless integration of various point solutions. This will streamline communication and collaboration within the community, enhancing member experience and driving community growth.
  • 2. Cultivate Bi-Directional Links: Digital gardens thrive on interconnectedness. Similarly, communities can benefit from fostering connections between members and creating a network of shared knowledge. Implementing bi-directional links in community platforms can facilitate the exchange of ideas and encourage collaboration among community members.
  • 3. Embrace Imperfection: Just like a garden, communities and digital gardens are never finished. Embrace the process of growth, evolution, and change. Encourage members to share ideas and opinions while they are still developing, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the community.

Conclusion:

The next generation of community infrastructure can learn valuable lessons from the ethos of the digital garden. By embracing modularity, cultivating bi-directional links, and embracing imperfection, community builders can create vibrant and thriving communities. The power of community lies in its ability to connect individuals, foster collaboration, and drive collective growth. As we navigate the digital landscape, let us strive to build communities that leverage the best of both worlds, enabling meaningful connections and nurturing the growth of ideas.

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