re: How to Tell You’re a Community

Adam Machanic — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:14:31 GMT

You forgot to tell us what the offensive slogan was.

I also don't agree about competition meaning that you're not a community. Anyone who competes in organized sports of any kind would certainly not feel the same as you. Competition can be quite healthy to a community in the correct context.

re: How to Tell You’re a Community

andyleonard — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:41:07 GMT

Hi Adam,

You're right, I didn't tell you the slogan. ;) I wasn't offended by it, though; I was amused.

I didn't do a very good job explaining my point about competition (and seriously doubt I'll clear it up here): I think there's a difference between vying for public attention, sponsorship, and training dollars in a clean, may-the-best-opportunity-win fashion and using politics and dirty tricks to gain the advantage. I believe true communities are noble and take the high road. I think that's akin to your point about competition being healthy to a community in the correct context.

Lest anyone read more into this than is intended, I share these sentiments about a collection of communities with which I'm engaged. Some of these communities are technical, some are not.

Andy