“The community stagnates without the impulse of the individual. The impulse dies away without the sympathy of the community.” ~ William James
“Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” ~ Rollo May
Today I’m joining the ‘Blogging and Friends Blog Hop’ where each writer is asked to explore and share some thoughts about online relationships and community — you can jump on board at Living with Food Allergies and Celiac Disease or Bongo Is Me.
This subject has me thinking about communities, both online and offline. I’ve had related ideas simmering on the back burner of my imagination for several months, at least. The timing seems right to seize this opportunity and turn up the heat on a project I’ve been pondering for quite some time.
.
So, here’s a SCOOP: I’m creating a new online blogging community called Bloggerbrook.
Imagine an intimate, authentic, sustainable online community of thinkers, writers, poets and artists where you can safely explore and express creative ideas and works to receive helpful feedback from friends and colleagues you admire and learn to trust over time. Welcome to Bloggerbrook!
Bloggerbrook will offer unique benefits which I’ve not found in any other blogging community. One big difference between Bloggerbrook and other groups is found in the infrastructure forming its foundation, which is designed specifically to promote a healthy balance between individual personal expression and solid community support over the long term.
Have you ever wondered why various communities, both online and offline, seem to start out strong with everyone working together, excited about achieving a common goal, and then they fizzle over time? Or worse, people start arguing or backstabbing each other until the community implodes and everyone goes their separate ways to start up new groups and communities. Sound familiar?
Many studies have shown that when a new community starts out, such as a networking group, a church or any other coalescing of like-minded individuals, the members of this community often feel a sense of intimacy and purpose coming together. They work toward a common goal and their excitement and enthusiasm naturally attracts more people. The more people are drawn in, the more the excitement grows! Until the group reaches about 100 members. Then, suddenly and ‘inexplicably’ everything starts to change.
That’s when conflicts begin to arise and people start breaking off relationships. As tensions mount, a scapegoat may be chosen to blame for the crisis and this person is shunned from the group. When the separation comes to pass it brings no positive results. In the end, members feel betrayed and leave the community. Some begin again in smaller communities and some create new communities of their own. Regardless of the chosen outcome, the stories replay again and again.
One reason this keeps happening is that the people involved are oblivious to what’s really going on. Some suspect that their friends have turned to the dark side, but that’s usually not the case. What’s actually causing friction is that the group has outgrown it’s capacity to nurture each member on a personal level. This phenomenon is incorrectly interpreted as the group having ‘grown apart’ or ‘they just don’t care about me anymore’ or something even uglier.
To protect Bloggerbrook from falling prey to the disheartening scenarios described above, a key component which sets this community apart from other blogging groups is that no matter how large the community grows over time, each member will maintain strong personal connections within a smaller ‘neighborhood’ group, 15 people or less, within the community at large. Your ‘neighborhood’ in this context may include people from all over the world, but you will get to know them as if they lived right next door to you. I envision the citizens of Bloggerbrook experiencing a feeling of ‘coming home’ to small town values like safety and security while growing in the art of communication and creative self-expression on the world-wide web.
In order to achieve the goals of Bloggerbrook, beginning membership will be limited to 15 participants. Over time as members develop expertise in the unique community building and communication practices which support the ongoing vision of the group, and as they feel inspired to move into leadership positions within the group, then we will gradually open to more members. I will be writing more in upcoming posts about Bloggerbrook and what it has to offer YOU, so stay tuned!
If you are interested in learning about becoming a charter member of Bloggerbrook please contact me — I’m looking forward to hearing from you at linda@dangerouslinda.com or you may share comments and questions in the section provided below. Thank you!.
May 19th, 2012 - 9:22 pm
Pick me… Pick me… I really like this: “I envision the citizens of Bloggerbrook experiencing a feeling of ‘coming home’ to small town values like safety and security while growing in the art of communication and creative self-expression on the world-wide web.”
I believe most problems within a group are the result of the inability to resolve conflict over the expression of OPINIONS. If, within that group there isn’t guidelines or a common welfare type mission, things can unravel quickly. I also believe strongly in autonomy… but, sometimes when working with others within a group, it ultimately comes down to what is best for the group as a whole. We will always have opposing sides, but most will agree that it makes for interesting discussions and the possibility that one might learn something new or different.
… “while growing in the art of communication” ~love it!
[Reply]
May 19th, 2012 - 9:30 pm
what a great idea. although i have no contact with my local community – i should develop a relationship with my online ones … cheers linda
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 12:33 am
Beautiful idea…do I qualify?
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 1:19 am
I know this has been simmering away on your back burner for a while now, Linda and I’m so glad that you’ve moved it forward. May it burn brightly and be all you envision it to be. ♥
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 1:46 am
When something begins to simmer and simmer for a long time it evaporates.. however you had the bright idea of NOT letting vanish… you poured more into that pot and created something… May your dream become a reality… Rock on Linda!
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 4:17 am
This is very encouraging Linda and I truly understand how things go, grow or dissipate after sometime. I guess communities shouldn’t be about survival but about life and allowing people to be more creative through time. I think we shouldn’t be afraid to close or lose ‘dying’ communities because there’s always an opportunity to begin anew.
Good luck in this endeavor, lots of love and blessings
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 8:01 am
I’m thrilled that you’re moving forward, creating that certain thing that has been burning in your heart! I’m sure it will be a loving success Linda, with you at the helm. I’m excited to hear more about it.
xoxox
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 8:18 am
Sounds like a great idea.
Glad to hear you’re getting it off the ground after it’s been such a fixture in your life.
Take care,
Casey
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 8:49 am
I love the idea Linda because I do already consider my friends Bloggers like my true family, and the Blogging community is my home.
What I have already shared on my blog or on comments to other’s Blogs is much more than what my family knows about me. I don’t feel safe with them. I feel safe when home, in the blogging community.
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 12:29 pm
Really like the idea of one large community with smaller neighbourhoods. The group dynamics stay small enough for even the most shy of bloggers to feel comfortable, yet you have the support of a wider community to engage in communication and the broaden the audience for everyones writing. I am a member of a few bloggers groups; the smaller ones have limited membership and are supportive, open forums for discussion. The larger groups seem to be less about discussion and feedback and more about people adding their link and running…never productive. Yay you for the concept and having the energy to make a difference. x
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 2:19 pm
I too wonder about the communities. I am not naturally a joiner, even blogging was a nightmare for me. After writing the book I am left with 2.5 friends, all the others couldn’t understand my desire to write a book. What I was surprised to find in the joining process, was the new writing friends I am met. I continue to explore and hope for a deeper creative connection but I’ve not landed there yet, but one can hope. I confess I thought when creative people connected there would something deeper. I am not sure what this means, only that we’d discuss, talk, share, offer ideas, have virtual glasses of wine together, work through the hurdles. Too much? I am a romantic, but one can dream.
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 4:06 pm
This sounds like a great idea, Linda. I find myself constantly overwhelmed trying to keep up with my 20 or so closer blog friends online… the ones I’ve known since the beginning. Of course, that being said, I don’t think I have time to take on a leadership role, but I would love to hang in your neighborhood.
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 4:44 pm
Linda, so glad you chose to participate in our hop! I hope that what you envision in your group becomes a reality. That is what is so great about on-line groups…someone can open one at any time and make it exactly what they want it to be. Each group that I have come in contact with has offered something very unique to its members. Each one has been different and range from low to high in interaction. Of course, I have my favorite 3 or 4 groups that I tend to participate in more than others, and then there are the groups that are just a ‘drop your link’ and run groups. Most groups I have dropped out of only because of the time frame required to stay interactive within all of the groups. There is just no way to do it in all of them unless you just live on your computer LOL.
I do wish you the best of luck in your new venture and hope that your dreams and ideas become a reality for you ☺
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 4:45 pm
Hi, Amy! ~
I think you will only become more enthusiastic about Bloggerbrook as the details and descriptions are unveiled — I am very enthusiastic about your enthusiasm!!!
People, like you & me, who’ve had to ‘come clean, get real and take responsibility for our own feelings’ will feel very at home in this cyber-community.
Thank you so much for your encouraging comments!!! XOXOX
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 5:00 pm
Hi, Alan! ~
Thank you for stopping by. I was intrigued to read your blog hop post about creative stirrings deeper within you? Could be perfect timing for both of us…
(PLEASE don’t twist my words into something sordid! hehe!!)
More info coming soon — Stand by ;-*
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 5:19 pm
Hi, Janaki! ~
I cannot think of any reason you would not qualify — stay tuned for more info!
Thank you for your supportive comment ;-*
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 5:33 pm
I want in. Today is resurrection day for me, and here I see light at the end of that dark place. At last! Thank you friend. Thank you for all your support and love.
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 5:43 pm
Hi, Corinne & Savira! ~ Thank you for your encouragement!
As Earl G. Graves, founder and publisher of Black Enterprise Magazine, has said:
“We keep going back, stronger, not weaker, because we will not allow rejection to beat us down. It will only strengthen our resolve. To be successful there is no other way.”
Thank you both for your encouraging words! XOXOX
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 6:05 pm
I think this is a solid concept and I am excited for you, Linda! I have said before that there seems to be a cycle in the blogging world of approximately six months; i.e., every six months or so, there’s a new bunch of bloggers being “born”. In light of that activity, there’s always room for growth, new groups, new concepts, new relationships within the blog-o-sphere because it’s a never ending source of newness hitting constantly. Each group won’t resonate with every blogger and I think that’s the beauty of it all – there’s room for everyone, and that resonating will find its level with each blogger. Good luck with this!
- Dawn
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 6:30 pm
I love this idea, Linda, especially the neighborhood groups. What a great idea! I pray this venture is a successful one for you, dear friend!
Blessings always!
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 8:11 pm
What a great idea for a group! I like the idea of having sub-groups within the main group to help cultivate and maintain relationships.
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 9:46 pm
I realized as I was ranting about my dreams of that writerly connection, I forgot to cheer you on and wish all the best. I know it will be wonderful for you.
[Reply]
May 20th, 2012 - 10:22 pm
Cool idea, I feel a tad behind and lost right now as my whole life outlook has changed, don’t know if I be able to maintain blogging but I sure want to keep friendships I have developed here.
[Reply]
May 21st, 2012 - 5:31 am
What a great idea! You have hit the nail on the head about why blogging groups fall out sooner or later. Would love to be a part of something like this.
http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/04/dusk.html
[Reply]
May 21st, 2012 - 7:53 am
Good Luck Linda with this large undertaking!! wishing you nothing but success
Jim
[Reply]
May 21st, 2012 - 9:09 am
Good luck Linda!
[Reply]
May 21st, 2012 - 10:11 am
This sounds like a brilliant idea, Linda! I am a member of other blogger groups but most of them are only concerned with growing their membership and advertising and not really much about supporting and encouraging one another.
God bless and may you be successful in this endeavor! <3
[Reply]
May 21st, 2012 - 11:47 am
What a fantastic idea.
[Reply]
May 21st, 2012 - 12:31 pm
Hello Linda.
I am one who enjoys his privacy, but since I started blogging & became a member of several groups, I have definitely come out of my shell a lot more. Like some of the others have mentioned, I have noticed a lot of group members who just drop their links and run…having no interaction with anyone whatsoever, be it in the actual group or even at other blogs. It’s kind of sad and defeats the whole purpose of being part of a group. My wife is constantly telling me there is no “I” when you start sharing yourself and your work. She is so right! Just recently, I had to drop out of a couple of groups. For a while, I have been picking up on some bad vibes, which were just not sitting right with me. Call me crazy, but it actually felt as if I was being pushed out. There is no room for ridiculous pettiness in my life so for the sake of my own happiness and peace of mind, I left of my own accord.
Bloggerbrook will be a huge undertaking, but I have no doubt you will succeed at anything you put your mind to. I wish you much success in this new undertaking. Thanks for sharing.
[Reply]
May 21st, 2012 - 5:25 pm
Linda this is a great idea. I sometimes feel that within many groups without even knowing it people do fall into neighbourhoods. I like that concept. When you think of humanity we do live in neighbourhoods, even if we are in big cities. I feel that the ongoing search for intimacy within the human condition calls them to community and then, as you say it can fracture when someone begins to feel left out because the community has become so big…but herein lies the neighbourhood…if each of us remember our involvement in a community we usually gravitate to smaller groups within the whole…the key is to not turn on the whole and let pack mentality take over. When I started blogging just a year ago I was amazed at the support and welcome everyone gives and yes, that does slow down as you join more groups and they become larger. But overall the feel is still there. Yes, some groups have imploded and yes new ones pop up. That I feel is those looking to join others of like mind.
I think your concept is brilliant and I feel it will absolutley work as there are so many amazing writers and talent out there looking to belong to communities where there are others of like mind….and it is easier in busy schedules to participate in smaller groups within the whole…expanding where time permits.
I have always enjoyed the itimacy of smaller groups and one on one as the connections can be pretty powerful. Would love to be considered for your group…
I know it will be a huge success…I can feel it…who would not like to be in a loving neighbourhood….
Wishing you wonderful neighbourhoods filled with creativity and support…
Always…
[Reply]
May 22nd, 2012 - 7:38 am
Hi, Melissa! ~
I’ve been particularly mulling over this part of your comment: “I guess communities shouldn’t be about survival but about life and allowing people to be more creative through time. I think we shouldn’t be afraid to close or lose ‘dying’ communities because there’s always an opportunity to begin anew.”
On the one hand, I agree with you. But, the longer I’m on the planet, it seems, the more I long for lasting connections. Maybe it’s easier to start over and over again in youth
I hit a personal wall in Autumn of 2001 — Yet another one of my marriages was ending, my family of origin was completely estranged, my beloved church community (where I had previously found refuge from the rest of it!) was at war with itself and NY City was being attacked by terrorists blowing up planes and buildings.
I was so frightened! Not afraid of dying, though. I was afraid of living in a world, and raising kids in a world, where people simply cannot figure out how to get along with each other for any length of time. That’s when I began to devote my life and my work to the pursuit of personal empowerment and community-building with a new level of passion.
Thank you for joining this important conversation. I truly value your thoughtfulness and wisdom. XOXOX
[Reply]
May 22nd, 2012 - 8:42 am
Fabulous idea and yes all that you said does sound familiar! I love the idea Linda!
[Reply]
May 22nd, 2012 - 2:00 pm
Hi, Leah! ~
I was reading your novel, ‘Cossettes Tribe’, last night and it occurred to me that you and I are once again sort of unexpectedly synchronized with our creative work. I’m intrigued by the way Cossette sees her family as a ‘tribe’, and it reminds me of the ‘neighborhoods’ within the the larger community of Bloggerbrook.
As Ravenmyth put it so beautifully in her comment above: “…if each of us remember our involvement in a community we usually gravitate to smaller groups within the whole…the key is to not turn on the whole and let pack mentality take over.”
Thank you so much for your loving support ;-*
[Reply]
May 23rd, 2012 - 5:19 pm
Sounds lovely, dear Linda!
[Reply]
May 26th, 2012 - 7:30 pm
Hi, Casey & Nikky! ~ I’m so happy to welcome two of our newest Blogplicity members!
@Casey: Community building has definitely been a ‘fixture’ in my life, as you say, for quite some time. Just wasn’t sure how to bring it into the world in a more meaningful way! Suddenly, and unexpectedly, all the pieces kind of fell into place and now it feels so right! Thank you for your encouragement!!
@Nikky: I’m so glad you are creating a loving cyber-community around you. Not surprising because you are very lovable and thoughtful in your posts and comments. I’m glad to have the chance to get to know you better, too!
[Reply]
May 26th, 2012 - 8:05 pm
Hi, Lucy! ~
You nailed the essence of the concept: “…one large community with smaller neighbourhoods. The group dynamics stay small enough for even the most shy of bloggers to feel comfortable, yet you have the support of a wider community to engage in communication and the broaden the audience for everyone’s writing.”
(I must admit, though, I snickered at the concept of a ‘shy blogger’ — hehe!)
Really appreciate the support you have shown from the moment I first mentioned Bloggerbrook since I have admired your work since I started blogging — such a great combination of down-to-earth stories and plenty of humor! Please stay tuned for more info! XOXOX
[Reply]
May 26th, 2012 - 8:47 pm
Hi, Brenda! ~
First of all, I remember reading your recent post about how your friends could not understand why you write — My comment was, and still is, that I can’t imagine living in that world because I am surrounded by writers and readers who would probably question why I’m not writing, if that should occur. The ‘cyber-mommy’ in me wants to surround you with more writers — although, the realist in me is totally aware that you choose your own reality based on what works for YOU ;-*
However, then I go on to read this: “I continue to explore and hope for a deeper creative connection but I’ve not landed there yet, but one can hope. I confess I thought when creative people connected there would something deeper. I am not sure what this means, only that we’d discuss, talk, share, offer ideas, have virtual glasses of wine together, work through the hurdles…”
And my heart skips a beat because you just described my vision for Bloggerbrook! It will be a place to have a virtual glass of wine for some, or a virtual cup of coffee for others, or maybe a virtual playdate for mom’s with little kids. You captured the essence of my dream almost better than I could have at this early stage — Thank you for helping to solidify the concept in my heart & mind. You are an amazing wordsmith — I love that about you!
I know you’re not a natural ‘joiner’ but please let me know if you’d consider trying this out — I would love to have a chat with you over a nice (virtual) Malbec. XOXOXO
[Reply]
May 26th, 2012 - 8:53 pm
Hi, Rachel! ~
I’m happy to hear you’re checking out the hood…
Don’t worry at all about feeling pressured to move into a ‘leadership’ roll — that is for people who feel called to do it
More info coming soon! XOXOX
[Reply]
May 26th, 2012 - 9:30 pm
Hello Linda,
Appears that you’ve given this idea much thought…These small blogging groups are certainly a new concept but it sounds like the support and camaraderie would be second to none. What I’d worry about is the bloggers whom just want to write and stay in the background as opposed to those who want to stay fulled engaged with all members…For many it’s about being creative and not seeking out the limelight as others do. That said I love my blogging family and I’m always thrilled to hear what they have to say. I’m looking forward to the Bloggerbrook kickoff!!
Take care, David
[Reply]
May 26th, 2012 - 9:56 pm
Hi, Mary! ~
I appreciate you and Bonnie hosting the Blog Hop — thank you for inviting me!
And thank you for your encouraging words ;-*
[Reply]
May 26th, 2012 - 10:59 pm
I would truly enjoy participating. I’ll drop you a line.
[Reply]
May 27th, 2012 - 12:08 am
Hi Linda,
I think your idea is awesome. I’ve been hoping to link up with like minded bloggers who can support each other – talk about synchronicity and serendipity!
I look forward to Bloggerbrook.
Thanks so much for dropping by my blog and linking up with me.
[Reply]
May 27th, 2012 - 12:50 am
–Rock On, Linda. Xx
[Reply]
May 27th, 2012 - 3:27 pm
Dear Debra,
Welcome BACK!!!! Perfect timing, as YOU were the person who ‘discovered’ me and introduced me to my first blogging group which changed my life — I hope you can feel an inkling of my overwhelming gratitude ;-*
Stay tuned for more info! XOXOX
[Reply]
May 27th, 2012 - 4:48 pm
Wow! I love the name as it symbolizes connection (blogger(s)) and peace (brook (calming waters). I look forward to learning more dear lady. I’m sure it will be a success!
[Reply]
May 28th, 2012 - 2:46 am
Hi, Dawn! ~
Your encouraging words are very meaningful, especially since you are the administrator of a very successful Facebook blogging group in your own right: Authentic Blogger.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your wisdom! XO
[Reply]
May 28th, 2012 - 4:01 am
Dear Martha,
I truly appreciate your loving support both public and private, thank YOU!
As our favorite reference book tells us: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” ~ Romans 12:9-10
Please stay tuned for more info XOXOXOX
[Reply]
May 28th, 2012 - 4:13 am
Hi, Jessica, Jan, Rimly, Jim and Marie! ~ Thank you all so much for stopping by to cheer me on with this new project — SO EXCITING!!!
@Jessica: Yes — I believe the ‘subgroups’, as you call them, will have a tremendous impact on the intimacy of the group. Let me know if this sounds like something you’d be interested in
@Jan: Holding you in my heart with all the changes you are facing! Please stay in touch one way or another! XOXOX
@Rimly: Please stay tuned, I will keep you posted on the new community! Bloggerbrook officially opens on Facebook in July 2012 ;-*
@Jim: It’s so good to see you here and thank you SO MUCH for your well wishes!!!
@Marie: Thank you for your encouragement. I’m still trying to figure out if you’ll have a blog when you get back to Colorado…
[Reply]
May 28th, 2012 - 8:35 am
This sounds like a fantastic idea, Linda, and it seems you have done your research! I’d be very much interested to see how this evolves. Thanks for leading the way!
[Reply]
May 30th, 2012 - 10:07 am
Linda, I think the Bloggerbrook concept is genius! I am looking forward to seeing how it develops and what kind of structure it will have. I really believe this kind of group will benefit many bloggers, myself included, in providing feedback, support, and encouragement. Let me know if I can be of any assitance!
[Reply]