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Network Theory Links

  • Power Relationships & Networks
    This paper demonstrates how power dissipates when people in a hub-and-spoke network start to talk to each other.
  • Interesting Interactive Network Map
    Use this orgnet.com map to explore how a network exists even if those in the network are not aware of it.
  • Is Gladwell's 'Influentials Theory' Wrong?
    An interesting article from Fast Company debunking Malcomb Gladwell's 'Tipping Point' theory that 'influentials' are the engines of change.
  • Malcom Gladwell's 'The Tipping Point'
    An important book with implications for those who build and sustain networks, both online and F2F.
  • Online and Face-to-Face Networking
    The US Senator Barak Obama's campaign is using various networking strategies as described in the current issue of Rolling Stone magazine. From the article - "Over the past year, the Obama campaign has quietly worked to integrate the online technologies ... — with the kind of neighbor-to-neighbor movement-building that Obama learned as a young organizer on the streets of Chicago."
  • Social Network Blog
    A social network blog about the creation of robust & vibrant economic and community networks... using network mapping, weaving and leadership development.
  • Social Network Theory - Wikipedia

Online Community Video Tutorial

This series of short videos lays out the first steps you need to take if you plan to launch or improve the online community you organize.

Part 1 - Getting Started

Part 2 - Who is your community?

Part 3 - The Tool Trap

Part 4 - Organizational Issues

Part 5 - Setting objectves and Outcomes

Why is online community building challenging?

On this video there are comments from a variety of individuals who attended the National UK Circuit Riders Conference a couple weeks back. They are informative, especially as earlier today David Wilcox posed a challenge to us all to think about Clay Shirky's book 'Here Comes Everybody'

David says on his blog "There's a big gap between Clay's vision for the future, and what I heard from people who are currently providing front line technology support to nonprofits that are in the business of social change. Who is more realistic?' David put this out on the UKRiders list earlier today and it prompted a lot of discussion.

Some immediate session feedback!

Woman_megaphone_logo_hi Sean - Who took art in our morning session on Thursday had the following comment that he shared with me. For those of you who attended can I get a bit of quick feedback from you as well? Thanks!

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Hi Mark,

thanks very much for your work at the conference, I wouldn't worry about the first session - the enthusiasm of the folks who went in the afternoon, made me wish I'd waited till you got into your stride (and some internet access!). Your input into everything else though was the highlight of my attendance. Look forward to meeting you again.

Sean

Why this online platform?

Logo_summit_color_noconsultColleagues!  I've put up this platform up support the Online Community Building and Engagement session I'm preparing for and presenting at the National Circuit Rider Conference 4.0. Of course we will also use this space to before, during and after the session as well.

And yes, if you are not attending the session of the conference I hope you still find this a useful resource. Ciao - Marc

What questions should I address in the session?

Questions Please share with me what questions you think I should attempt to answer during the session. Even if you are not attending I'd like to hear from you. If you were there what questions would you want answered?

Session Description

Why do the vast majority of online community building and engagement efforts fail? In this session we’ll explore the importance of an organisation’s general communication and engagement practices and how those relate to success and failure online. Participants will leave the session with a keen awareness of the questions they must answer related to planning for, launching, nurturing and sustaining successful community building and engagement projects online.