Strive for Rings of Inclusion

dshipton — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:02:11 +0000

This is the first post in a series of posts that show how common the roots of coworking and Open Source are. Illustrating the commonalities was the focus of my talk at Highlight Midwest and I believe it is worth writing some of those thoughts and concepts down.

Coworking and Open Source communities are built around including people. A closer look reveals that there is different levels or rings associated with being included in a coworking or Open Source community.

Rings of Inclusion in an Open Source Project

Core developers make up the innermost ring on most Open Source projects. Non-core developers, active forum members, outspoken mailing list participants, and power users make up the next ring or rings. The outer rings of the project are made up by users who attempt to stay informed about the project or those who are not users but simply keep abreast of its ongoings.

Rings of Inclusion in a Coworking Space

Full-time desks and the space owner are usually at the middle of most coworking communities. The next level out is the part-timers and others that frequent the space during the day. Another ring out are those participating in events held at the coworking spaces. A good example of coworking Rings of Inclusion is found in the plan descriptions of Citizen Space.

Allowing participation at many different levels is one way that coworking and Open Source create thriving communities. Utilize the Rings of Inclusion concept for your community. You won’t be disappointed.

Lessons Learned in Community Building

dshipton — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:37:27 +0000

Over the last few months I have learned a many lessons dealing with how to build a successful community. When I started thinking about creating a coworking space in Des Moines I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew it would take a couple of months of searching for the perfect location. I knew it would take a few weeks to implement my vision once the lease was signed. I knew I wanted to build a community around the coworking space that I came to call Impromptu Studio.

Community Trumps Any Individual

The recipe for creating a successful community is quite simple: Never forget that individuals are community is king. Community-wide engagement is instrumental in making communities thrive. It is crucial to provide access to avenues for socialization and the free exchange of ideas. Online avenues could be websites, blogs, forums, e-mail lists, Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace. Real world avenues could be group meetings, luncheons, or organized events.

Take Concept Buy-In at Face Value

It is easy for folks to say they love your idea or concept. It is easy for those same people to say they would jump at the opportunity to take part in what you are creating. However, Alex Hillman of Indy Hall says it best, “If you build it, they won’t come.” Constantly remind yourself that talk is cheap. Instead, find ways to engage your community that will create meaningful connections and bonds. Having more than cursory involvement in your community is absolutely paramount to your success.

Live In A Glass House

We all think we can mask our real motives behind our interactions with others….the truth is, people can usually see right through your thinly veiled intentions. Instead of hiding what are motives, why not ask or tell your community what you are up to. Community resentment is not a situation you want to find yourself in. Be proud of what you are doing. Let them know what you are up to! Having a community rally around you is a great feeling.