How has running a community changed your life?

Even if only a small way, communities impact us all :)

[sirjonathan]

I've been building virtual communities since I was 14. I got serious about it when I turned 18.. and now that I'm closing in on halfway through my 19th year, virtual communities have become a huge part of my life.

The greatest community project I've been priviledged to be a proud part of has been the development of a community for young entrepreneurs.

As a community leader, I've been there from the beginning, through the ups and downs, the incredible successes and the crushing failures.

It really gets ya sometimes. I can remember nights when I'd struggle falling asleep, trying to figure out what to do to overcome a challenge, or simply being so excited about how the community has been growing. I've spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and talking with members, hours I won't ever get back..

..Nor would I ever ask for them back :).

Yes, there have been challenges and there've definitely been the times when I've been tempted to 'throw in the towel'. But it's always been worth it. So, I'll answer my own question and then look forward to reading your answers! :)

How has running a community changed my life?

Its brought new people into my life - I've met so many incredible people through communities, mine being no exception. Investing time and getting to know someone, looking for ways to help them, even if in a small way, affects you. I've become much better about listening, better about asking questions, better about giving answers.

I've learned technical skills - Whether setting up backups, transfering between servers, upgrading vBulletin, installing new plugins, or just making updates to the site, I've applied the things I've learnt over the years and when I've found myself lacking, I've learned more or brought myself into contact with others who know more.

It's made me smile - Yeah, can't ever forget that. Sure, I've felt like crying too sometimes, but the smiles are what I really remember. Getting feedback from members thanking you for making a difference in their life.. you just can't top that. Seeing the community interacting and having a good time.. that makes me happy and a smile soon follows :).

Well, those are a few of the ways that being a part of and running a community has impacted MY life.. How about yours?

P.S. Oh yeah, and as this is my first post, I'm proud to say that I'm honored to become a part of THIS community :). I look forward to getting to know you guys, sharing my experiences, helping out in anyway that I can, and learning from each of you. Until then!

-Jonathan Wold

[edited by: rogerd at 5:49 pm (utc) on Oct. 15, 2005]
[edit reason] No specifics or URLs, please. [/edit]

[rogerd]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, Jonathan. I think virtual communities have great capacity to change people's lives. This community has provided solutions for thousands of technical and business problems. More importantly, it has enabled many members to gain new skills, develop new clients, and launch new careers.

[spaceylacie]

Welcome to the WW board, Jonathan. According to your math, we are the same exact age. I'm new to running a community, but not new to the web. After about 6 months of forum community building, here is my answer to your question:

How has running a community changed your life?
I've learned so much! I really can't put it into words, but it's a great feeling. Even just the part about watching the way people make connections, how they interact... watching this happen before your eyes from day 1... the knowledge is priceless!

[rogerd]

It's really a delight when a forum member sends you a note that says, "I just _____ (insert major personal achievement of your choice)! That has been my goal for years, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of this forum!"

I've gotten those notes periodically in a variety of contexts, and it really helps justify the hours spent growing and administering the forum.