Re: [tdf-discuss] Community Management

Hi,

Le Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:45:29 +0100,
Cor Nouws <oolst@nouenoff.nl> a écrit :

> Benjamin Horst wrote (14-12-10 16:21)
>
> > I agree with you about the possible negative connotations of the
> > term "manager," but I think it's just a terminology problem. You
> > could think of the role as "Community Facilitator" or even "host"
> > if you prefer. The actual tasks inherent to the role are similar to
> > the host of a party--introducing people to others with similar
> > interests, helping to coordinate times, places and necessities, etc.
> >
> > In practice, it's hugely helpful to have someone walking around to
> > make sure that good ideas don't get lost and plans receive
> > encouragement and assistance until they are completed. They can also
> > play the role of matchmaker, to help find volunteers for important
> > initiatives that don't have enough helpers.
> >
> > I also understand the desire to form a clean break from the past and
> > to build our own thing this time. I think it's the right approach,
> > but I don't think it means we can eliminate the role of the
> > community manager, though renaming it to better suit our project's
> > culture certainly makes sense.
>
> +1
> Very well said, IMO.
> A good manager serves the community. A manager is not a commander.
> Being a good manager is a time-consuming task. It involves knowing
> what is going on, understanding the 'how-to's' of many community
> members, and finding a balance between letting flow, and linking
> actively, proposing, intervening etc.
> I am sure our bye-laws provide us with some officers, of which I
> expect one to do this job.

Yes, that would be the Executive Director. But it cannot be its only
role. He/she can facilitate, help out, provide leadership in case it's
needed, but he's neither the mummy, nor the commander of the powers
that be in front of the community. It also means that the culture of
our community -again let me insist on that- has to change. We should be
doing things, and contributing is how we're recognized. Playing by the
rule is one thing, but on the other hand asking for permission to some
overlord is not what we're doing and won't be doing. Hence, from a
posture of audience -in spite of all the good will- we need to switch
to a posture of contribution. Don't get me wrong, that's pretty much
what we are doing, so I'm cautiously optimistic :-)

Best,
Charles.



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