Community
If you spend any time at all online, chances are you’re networked with at least a few folks, right? Maybe even a whole herd of ‘em, for that matter.
In fact, I bet if you were to draw a picture of your network, it’d look a little like this big ol’ snarl o’ wires, right? That’s ’cause personal networks have a tendency to grow in all kinds of unexpected directions.
Three of the best things about being connected to so many others, though, are 1) the practically unlimited possibilities to interact with folks from across the globe, 2) the opportunities for lots of lively conversations, and – here it comes – 3) the chance to build a genuine sense of community.
So I have two questions for ya. First, are you part of an online community? Chances are you’re in several at least. Do you post photos at Flickr? Have a Facebook page? Publish a blog? Then congratulations, you’re in a community!
For instance, I myself happen to have a Flickr account, a LinkedIn page, a Facebook page (although I admit I don’t spend much time at that one), the community here at the Middle Zone, a Twitter account… not to mention the many blogs I drop by and comment on – thereby becoming part of their communities – I mean, the list just goes on and on. And the fact is, I’ve gained quite a bit from each and every one of ‘em.
So, my next question is this: What have you learned from your communities?
And that leads us up to… the topic for our next What I Learned From… groupwrite project! (Pretty smooth how I sneaked it right up behind ya, huh?)
Anyhoo – if you’ve never heard of WILF, then click on that last link up there and you can read all about it, not to mention check out some of the 650 entries we’ve racked up since May ’07. That’s what the man said – 650!
On the other hand, if you already know what WILF is (and perhaps have even participated once or twice), then get ready to rumble write, y’all, ’cause the fun is about to begin!
Hey, whatever you do, be sure to drop by right here at the Zone next Monday, May the 7th May the 4th for the kickoff (oops! apparently, I can’t read a calendar properly)! Oh, and once again, I’ll have yet another free copy of Problogger: Secrets to Blogging Your Way to a Six-figure Income for one lucky participant!
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Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Robert,
Your last project resulted in some wonderful entries and I look forward to seeing what this next one produces.
Robert,
Are you testing us or trying to confuse us?
I went to put the WILF project on my May blog editorial calendar … and I don’t have Monday, May 7th on my calendar.
@Andy – So do I! Um… will you be contributing?
@Lillie – Apparently, I am calendar-challenged today! Sheesh! Musta been in a time warp or something…
OK; it’s been fixed now… :-\
Robert,
What a great topic for discussion in this month’s WILF! I’m looking forward to taking part, and can’t wait to see the other entries.
Man, I love the WILF concept!
Matt
Matt Haywards last blog post..A Promise Kept and A Teaser Given
What a brilliant topic, and I am so glad that Confident Writing will be participating in my absence. Now that’s what I call the power of community
@Matt – This thing’s sorta developed a life of its own, Matt. Lots of fun, plus you never know what’s gonna come up!
@Joanna – I’m glad the opportunity came up to keep Confident Writing on the participant list!
That’s the joy of it, I think, Robert. At least, for me.
How do you choose the topics, can I ask?
Matt
Matt Haywards last blog post..Characters: A Focus
I am looking forward to participate in the coming group writing project – it’s a great theme to write about, Robert!
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Horses running Wild
@Matt – I agree! Oh, and I choose topics the old fashioned way – I pull ‘em out of the air! Sometimes… there’s an upcoming event – like SOBCon09 – that may have a direct relationship to the topic. Or not. I never really know for sure until I announce it. Usually.
@Ulla – I do to, Ulla. You never know what’ll turn up with these things!
Just the very topic to fit with some prep I am doing for a presentation in a few weeks. Thank you! Now where did I put that thinking cap……
@Jackie – Hey, that’s great! I love it when serendipity lends a hand…
What a rock on theme, Robert. I think I’m also one of those that spend most of time online than anyone else. Although I didn’t have flickr account, but I do very familiar with Facebook and Twitter, no even mention about the online webmaster forums.
[...] be back on Monday, when we kick off our next WILF project. So don’t forget to put it on your [...]
[...] don’t forget (sorry; I almost forgot!) – our next What I Learned From… groupwrite project kicks off NEXT MONDAY! (sound of crowd cheering) Click on that little link for [...]
I am looking forward to participate in the coming group writing project – it’s a great theme to write about, Robert!
good:)
@Mustafa – Hey, I look forward to your entry, Bubba!
[...] is my entry to Robert Hruzek’s monthly group writing series What I learned from Community at Middlezone [...]
[...] Howdy, Bubba! Hey, if you’re new around these parts, I just want to say how much I appreciate you dropping by! Oh, and you may want to subscribe to my feed. Thanks, and a tip o’ the hat to ya!A big ol’ Texas-sized Waa-hoo (sound of big ol’ Texas sized Waa-hoo) for all you wonderful, talented (and no doubt extremely good-looking) writers who joined us for this month’s group writing project: What I Learned From Community! [...]