Ask HN: What do you value and look for in a community?

#1

Post by sl1pp3ryk01 » Wed, Dec 14, 2022, 7:08 PM UTC

As this year draws to a close, looking back at the years past and the year to come- I can't help but feel a sense of longing for community.

Over the last year, I attempted to start a few different communities with various levels of success and I'm realizing that simply holding the space isn't enough for many. People look for incentives and if they don't see value, they understandably won't feel the need to contribute.

What values inspire you to engage with a community, and what do you look for when seeking one out?

Re: Ask HN: What do you value and look for in a community?

#2

Post by ninethirty » Wed, Dec 14, 2022, 7:19 PM UTC

I noticed a trend after watching the movie "Valley Uprising". I call it difficultly-gating but there's probably another term for it. The more difficult the endeavor -- the more tight-knit community you will get (although they might be hostile to newcomers who haven't proven themselves yet)

Re: Ask HN: What do you value and look for in a community?

#3

Post by sl1pp3ryk01 » Wed, Dec 14, 2022, 7:27 PM UTC

ninethirty wrote: post #2

I noticed a trend after watching the movie "Valley Uprising". I call it difficultly-gating but there's probably another term for it. The more difficult the endeavor -- the more tight-knit community you will get (although they might be hostile to newcomers who haven't proven themselves yet)

i haven't seen that movie but if i understand you correctly, you're referring to the learning curve required to access the full potential of the community

i think this comes with both pros and cons; it can be nice to filter out folks who want to take without giving, but can also impose a limit on how welcome the space feels as a result

as an example, one of the discord communities i grew this year has recently hit 200 members; despite this, only a little over half the members have made it past the most basic of gates- a rules react that is clearly pointed out on entry