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The art of asking questions can make all the difference your community. The way you frame your inquiries can spark vibrant discussions, encourage knowledge sharing, and create a thriving community. Let's embark on a journey through the psychology of questioning styles, explore various techniques, and discover how to wield them effectively in your online community. 1. The Open-Ended Inquiry Open-ended questions, often starting with "what," "why," or "how," invite members to share their thoughts and experiences. This style triggers cognitive engagement by encouraging deep thinking and reflection. 2. The Multiple-Choice Query Multiple-choice questions …

Online communities, by nature, are spaces where dialogue takes the center stage. Here, ideas are exchanged, innovations are conceived, and bonds are forged through conversations. While content, design, and engagement tools are essential for the health of any forum, one aspect that can significantly elevate the dynamics of an online community is the art of questioning. Drawing from a plethora of research, including insights from the New Socratic Method, this article explores the power and nuances of questions within the context of online communities. Why Ask Questions? Questions are the bedrock of any meaningful conversation. In online forums, they not only facil…

The digital era has witnessed the surge of online communities, ranging from hobbyist forums to professional networks. With this proliferation comes the demand for effective governance and facilitation. Often, terms like "leadership" and "management" are thrown into the mix, suggesting the roles administrators or moderators play. Drawing inspiration from a recent BBC discourse, it becomes evident that these terms, while related, have distinct meanings. When applied to online communities, understanding the nuance between leadership and management can determine the success and sustainability of these platforms. Management in Online Communities: Process-Oriented App…

A clear purpose can play a crucial role in defining the landscape of your community and reshaping the value your community offers to your members. Successful online communities, akin to the likes of high-growth companies, place emphasis on developing holistic ecosystems. In such setups, interconnected interests and relationships among diverse participants pave the way for enriched experiences. Staying rooted in purpose allows these communities to navigate the rapidly evolving digital realm, fostering growth even when faced with challenges like decreased engagement or stagnant membership. Take, for instance, an online pet enthusiasts' community. By focusing on th…

Leading an online community presents unique challenges, akin to those faced by corporate leaders. These digital spaces are grounded in inherent paradoxes, making the journey of community administrators a tightrope walk. To thrive, they must understand and harness these paradoxes, balancing the diverse needs of a vast member base while promoting community growth and unity. Online communities, like any dynamic organization, must strike a balance between innovation and consistency. On the one hand, they need to adapt to changing digital trends and user preferences, ensuring that the platform remains relevant and engaging. On the other hand, they have to maintain the cor…

Online communities are virtual hubs that witness trends and ideologies that surge in popularity. Yet, much like political polls in society, what seems widespread at first glance in online communities might be less substantial upon closer examination. As community managers, it's imperative to grasp these nuances and recognize the difference between genuine community interests and fleeting trends. 1. Deconstructing the Illusion: Imagine a tech forum abuzz with discussions on niche technologies like virtual reality (VR) gaming and cryptocurrencies. Superficially, poll-like upvotes suggest significant community engagement with these topics. However, deeper analysis …

The role of a community manager is undergoing significant transformation. Adapted from the Harvard Business Review article by Joseph Pistrui and Dimo Dimov, "The Role of a Manager Has to Change in 5 Key Ways," the traditional functions of community management are no longer sufficient in today's dynamic environment. For online community managers, adapting to these changes is crucial for fostering vibrant and engaging digital spaces. From Directive to Instructive: Embracing AI and Learning With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) transforming tasks and roles, online community managers need to shift their focus from directing to educating and guiding. As AI …

In a world where business ethics and success often seem to be at odds, the age-old debate persists: does honesty truly pay in business? Amar Bhidé and Howard H. Stevenson's insightful exploration, "Why Be Honest If Honesty Doesn’t Pay," published in Harvard Business Review in 1990, delves deep into this complex question. Through extensive interviews and analysis, they unravel the intricate dynamics between honesty, trust, and success in the business realm. Initially, the researchers embarked on their study hoping to find compelling data supporting the age-old adage that "honesty is the best policy." However, their findings painted a more nuanced picture. They discove…

Online communities and forums loom like symbolic Mount Everests—both challenging and rewarding. Like intrepid trekkers scaling the Himalayas, community managers and forum administrators must equip themselves with leadership skills rooted in strategic thinking, decisive action, and personal integrity to navigate the unpredictable terrains of virtual communities. Online communities, much like treacherous treks, underscore the importance of strategic leadership principles derived from business school wisdom, behavioral psychology, and organizational management. As we delve into these parallels, we uncover fundamental principles that illuminate the path to effective onli…

Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership, whether you're managing a community online or in the physical world. As an online community manager, earning the trust of your members is not just beneficial but crucial for fostering collaboration, open communication, and loyalty. In this guide, we'll explore how you can cultivate trust in your role and establish yourself as a respected leader within your online community. Scenario: Taking the Helm Imagine you've been appointed as the leader of an online community that comprises diverse individuals with varying backgrounds and skill sets. Building trust is paramount for your success in this role. Here are some p…

As another year draws to a close, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! You can use the coupon WELCOME2024 during checkout until 6th January 2024 to get a 25% discount on all your new modification purchases and renewals! 😉

To any Marketplace author, contributor, themer, or developer, you are strongly encouraged to become an official Provider on IPS. Once you get your Provider badge on IPS, please reply below on this topic to be moved to the Provider group on Invisioneer.

I am offering a one-time offer, first come first served. 500 forum posts, a mixture of replies and threads £40 ($50) normally £50 ($63.50) whoever orders this one-time offer will have their threads and replies completed throughout the next few weeks until complete for consistent activity. Payment is to be via PayPal and upfront due to non-payers in the past, an invoice can be sent if requested. This will be started today if purchased! If you would like to order please either reply below or PM me. If you are unable to PM please reply below and I will make contact with you Thank you all for your continued support, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings and Merry…

Merry Christmas to everyone here at Invisioneer.org! Here’s an exclusive and shamelessly festive coupon code for 25% off my recently updated Christmas Midwinter theme over at https://invisionary.tech Invisioneer25 Offer ends 25th Dec Christmas Day at 00:00. Simply remember to put down the Yuletide egg nog (gross) long enough to enter the coupon code during check out. Merry Christmas! ☃️ 🎅 🧑‍🎄 🎄 🎉 🎊

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Many times, our mission statement reflects the ongoing purpose of the community, and it's usually crafted from the perspective of someone who is very experienced and involved. Does your mission statement incorporate a message for both new and existing members?

@Headstand had a product I might be interested in. I don't see it here. https://invisioncommunity.com/forums/topic/416542-faq-system-ips-v4/ Is there an FAQ section available? Thanks

Conflict is a natural part of any community, and human relationships will always encounter obstacles. One of the 'problems' that's occurred in my primary community is that members tend to escalate every last little issue they have with other members up to me, the administrator. They didn't like what a member posted in a comment. They got downvoted. They didn't think another member belonged. Do you encourage members to talk to each other first when conflicts arise? Do you offer a playbook and encourage them to address themselves in a constructive way? Are you a mediator or a rule-setter? The bigger question is: how do we provide transparency an…

Revillution is offering yearly and monthly advertising spots and with our current buy one get one free sale, you can pay for one and get another free! This will not only help Revillution but it will also help me greatly for Christmas due to being let down with payments after work has been completed. You can either PM me here at Invisioneer to take advantage of this huge BOGOF sale or you can go here scroll down for advertising upgrades and purchase from there. All upgrades between now and January 1st 2024 will be given the same user upgrade again for free! Header advertising is £70 for a year and you will get a whole year free saving you £70 and advertis…

Due to being let down in terms of completing work and not receiving payments, I am having to try and do what I can to make any money I can to ensure my kids have the Christmas they hope for. After checking appraisal sites I want to sell chataddicts.net for £92 ($117 USD) or the best offer! I want to sell this domain as quickly as possible. I will also throw in 200 posts if you create a new forum using these domain names. The domain will be renewed for a year before I make the transfer to you until October 2025! Accepting Bitcoin, Litecoin and PayPal. If interested or you wish to discuss please contact me via PM or reply below. Thanks.

What are your thoughts on community monetization? If you are positive about monetization, what are your preferred ways to monetize your community? Well, as far as I am concerned, I give much preference to community monetization. In fact, all of my communities are monetized. Well, it can be really difficult to make money from your community but if you have a monetized community, it is very likely that it will become self sustaining.

Do you own a community? Is it a single niche or multi-niche? Why did you choose a single niche or multi-niche for your forum? I like single niche forums, that's because I know what to expect there and I do not have to bother with topics that I do not like. I do not want to be in a community where users create posts on almost everything. It will be really difficult to find quality content in these communities.

As we reflect on the journey of our online community, it's essential to consider our growth trajectory. Has our digital family expanded, welcoming new voices and perspectives, or have we maintained a snug, familiar size? Each scenario carries its own charm and challenges. Have you noticed an increase in new members and fresh conversations in our community this year, or has it remained more or less the same? If there's been growth, how has it affected the dynamics and discussions? Has it brought a richer diversity of ideas, or perhaps some growing pains? For those in communities that have maintained their size, what benefits have you observed from this …

As 2023 unfurls its final chapters, let's take a moment to reflect on the pearls and perils we’ve encountered in running our forums and online communities. This year, like any other, has been a mixed bag of strategies and experiments, some triumphant and others... well, less so. What’s the single best tip or practice you've discovered or implemented in 2023 for managing your online community? Was it a game-changer in fostering engagement or resolving challenges? On the flip side, what was one tactic or approach that didn’t quite hit the mark? Perhaps something that looked promising but didn’t pan out as expected? How have these experiences shaped your …

From the Digital MArketing Institute: It’s that time of year again! When our screens become a smorgasbord of Christmas ads which not only give us the festive feel as they tap into our emotions, but promote campaigns that use the best tactics of content marketing to get us spending. Think about it, why did you really buy that scarf for your great-aunt this year? You normally get her socks. Was it because she loves the color blue? Or was it the tiny dog wrapped in the scarf, lying in the arms of the hero that rescued him from the cold after getting lost in New York City that did it? You know, the Christmas ad that nearly had you in tears. We’ve all done it, b…