Creating Communities: Words of Wisdom from Craig Newmark

Aug 27

Technology is an essential ingredient for organizational communication, but it certainly isn’t the only thing. Far from it. Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist, one of the web’s biggest communities, offered this view in Are You On Craig’s List?:

[L]et’s be clear: The Net is not about technology, it’s about people — a fact that is obvious to everyone except to we programmers. The most important things we, as humans, need to do — commercially or socially — is to connect with others. An online community is no substitute for real-world interactions. In fact, the most successful online communities are the ones that throw parties, sponsor events, host get-togethers — help members meet one another face-to-face in the real world.

Sure, websites and e-mail have their place. But nothing substitutes for one-on-one communication.

About the Author

Frank Roche

Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.