The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps and The 7 Biggest Reasons Why Online Communities Fail

The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps and The 7 Biggest Reasons Why Online Communities Fail

Reading is a powerful tool that allows us to delve into the thoughts and perspectives of others. It requires time and effort, but it is a crucial step in expanding our own paradigms. In today's world, the ability to read has become a competitive advantage, as the capacity for focused attention is increasingly scarce and valuable.

In fact, Google's research found that even a small change in the number of search results per page can have a significant impact on user behavior. Increasing the results from 10 to 30 only took half a second longer, but caused a 20% drop-off in users. This highlights the importance of capturing and maintaining attention in an age of constant distractions.

Moreover, incomplete tasks can occupy mental space, limiting our clarity and focus. The fear of cognitive dissonance that arises from not being able to finish a long article or book often prevents us from even starting it. This is where 'Read It Later' apps like Pocket come into play.

Pocket, along with other task managers like Evernote, offers a solution to the problem of overwhelming information intake. Rather than pushing every piece of information through the processing and consumption stages without scrutiny, these apps allow users to create a pool of options to choose from over a longer period of time. This enables decisions to be made from a higher perspective, aligned with what truly matters to the individual.

Furthermore, these apps facilitate the assimilation and building upon the ideas of others. While we may not fully grasp every lesson someone else's experience has taught them, we can incorporate many of their ideas and insights, saving ourselves time and avoiding unnecessary mistakes. Ideas are high leverage agents, and when arranged in highly cross-referenced networks, they become even more powerful. The human brain is the only tool capable of creating and accessing these networks on demand.

The power of 'Read It Later' apps lies in their ability to increase consumption of long-form content, which is often more substantive and thought-provoking. They also aid in better filtering, allowing users to curate their reading material based on their interests and needs. By leveraging these apps, individuals can enhance their learning and expand their knowledge in a more efficient and effective manner.

Now, let's shift our focus to the challenges faced by online communities and why they often fail. According to Gartner, a staggering 70% of online communities do not succeed. To address this issue, we need to examine the key reasons behind their failure.

One of the biggest reasons online communities fail is the lack of a clear purpose. Without a compelling reason for people to join and stay engaged, boredom sets in, and members lose interest. It is essential to communicate the value of the community to potential participants and provide ongoing motivation for them to remain active.

Additionally, communities need a space for members to interact and form connections with one another. Building friendships within the community fosters a sense of belonging and encourages continued engagement. Neglecting to facilitate these connections results in members perceiving each other as strangers, hindering the community's growth and cohesion.

Creating a safe environment is crucial for the success of online communities. This involves actively addressing and removing trolls, self-promoters, bullies, and any form of offensive or inappropriate behavior. Welcoming new members properly is also important, as it helps them feel psychologically safe and valued. A simple welcome message can go a long way in making newcomers feel included and accepted.

Another common pitfall is building a community solely around a brand instead of a shared purpose. By shifting the focus from self-promotion to providing value and assistance to members, community managers can foster a sense of trust and loyalty. Being a guide and offering support in achieving personal goals can significantly enhance user engagement.

Lastly, understanding why users are leaving is crucial for community improvement. Without seeking feedback from departing members, it is challenging to identify and address the issues that may be driving people away. Proactively reaching out to former members and asking for their input can provide valuable insights for making the community a better place.

To summarize, here are three actionable pieces of advice for leveraging the power of 'Read It Later' apps and building successful online communities:

1. Utilize 'Read It Later' apps like Pocket to manage your information intake and decision-making process. Create a pool of options to choose from over time, allowing for more thoughtful and aligned decision-making.

2. Foster a sense of purpose and value in your online community. Clearly communicate the benefits of joining and staying engaged, and provide ongoing motivation for members to participate.

3. Create a safe and welcoming environment within your community. Proactively address inappropriate behavior, welcome new members, and actively seek feedback from departing members to understand and address any issues that may be causing attrition.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your learning experience and make the most of the vast amount of information available to you. Similarly, by addressing the common pitfalls that lead to the failure of online communities, you can foster engagement, build meaningful connections, and create a thriving community that meets the needs and interests of its members.