community-patterns

# Community Management Patterns

Domain knowledge for effective community management across platforms.

## Healthy Community Indicators

### Engagement Metrics
- **Activity Level**: Regular posting from diverse members (not just a few)
- **Response Rate**: Questions get answered within 24 hours
- **Conversation Depth**: Threads with multiple replies, not just one-off posts
- **New Member Participation**: New members feel comfortable contributing

### Quality Signals
- **Positive Sentiment**: Supportive, constructive discussions
- **On-Topic Focus**: Conversations stay relevant to community purpose
- **Knowledge Sharing**: Members help each other, share resources
- **Organic Growth**: Steady new members through word-of-mouth

## Warning Signs

### Activity Issues
- **Declining Volume**: Week-over-week decrease in messages
- **Concentration**: 80%+ of messages from <5% of members
- **Ghost Town Hours**: Long periods with no activity
- **Unanswered Questions**: Help requests going ignored

### Quality Issues
- **Negativity Trends**: Increasing complaints, frustration
- **Off-Topic Drift**: Conversations veering from community purpose
- **Conflict Patterns**: Repeated disagreements between same members
- **Spam/Low-Quality**: Bot posts, memes dominating discussion

## Response Guidelines

### When Engaging Community
- Acknowledge questions within 24 hours (even if just "looking into it")
- Use inclusive language ("we", "our community")
- Tag relevant members who might help with specific questions
- Celebrate community wins and member contributions

### When Moderating
- Address issues privately first when possible
- Be consistent in applying community guidelines
- Explain reasoning behind moderation decisions
- Focus on behavior, not personal attacks

### When Growing Community
- Welcome new members personally
- Create low-barrier entry points (intro threads, simple questions)
- Highlight valuable contributions to encourage more
- Connect members with shared interests