Thanks to Lisa D. Jenkins for supplying todays guest post.

Lisa D. Jenkins has over a decade of experience marketing festivals, special events, non-profit organizations and small businesses. She speaks, consults and educates on the integration of social media into current marketing efforts, with a focus on measurable results; recent clients include Lewis-Clark State College Community Programs, Idaho Small Business Development Center, Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association, and Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau.

In my comment on Amber Naslund’s current post, I referred to a thought pattern wherein some community caretakers fall into a sort of “I built this community, it’s mine” mentality.  Pride in accomplishment I understand, but impeding the growth of reach I do not.

I’ve watched from the sidelines as a healthy, vibrant branded community failed when people were repeatedly challenged by profile administrators who felt the need to dictate how and when a conversation should take place.  The resulting tug of war was short-lived.  Community members moved on to a space where they were appreciated, encouraged to express their opinions and excitement without being snarked at.  (“Snarked at” is a technical term that, used here, means asserting one’s authority in an aggressive and unnecessary manner.)

I help create communities in the hope that people will come, join in the conversation and share the message with their friends and family.  I strongly support the idea that these communities need a knowledgeable facilitator to protect the integrity of their subject, but I do not believe a facilitator should stunt conversations they themselves have not started.

What do you think?