I am fortunate to be spending my week at the TED conference. Though I know that I should have been blogging for more than I year now, TED compels me to begin today. TED is community. As President Clinton, one of this year’s TED prize winners, describes his current passions and goals, he conveys a perfect description of what a successful community is all about. President Clinton’s passion is bringing resources and systems to those who need it, particularly within Africa. While describing the gaps between the rich and poor, not only between nations but within countries, he describes the need to build stronger communities.
Though his description of community is based on the physical world and not the online world, I believe his description is spot on and directly transfers to the online world. He describes the purpose of community as sharing in the benefits of collaboration, sharing in its responsibilities and having a sense of belonging. These themes are also the building blocks of TED. Having the privilege of attending TED for my second year, it seems that everyone is interested in collaboration, participation, giving and receiving. The ratios vary by person, of course, but seem to be common among everyone with whom I have interacted. Whether it’s Dean Kaman's amazing contribution of new prosthetics to the recovery of the injured returning from war or world renowned photographer James Nachtwey's asking for help from the TED community to help him meet his goals, everyone wants to participate, share and contribute.
These themes are exactly those that are required to build an effective online community. Successful online communities and social networks are those wherein all stakeholders have the opportunity and desire to benefit, share responsibility and feel a sense of belonging. It is the responsibility for the community host to enable and nurture this environment. When done well, everyone benefits, including the host.
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