I am setting up a couple of professional social networks for my business. Some of them will only be live for short term research projects and I’m trying to work out how to short circuit the developmental process.
I was just reading a long academic article that uses longitudinal discourse analysis to understand the evolution of professional discussion forums and thought it might kick start some discussion here.
http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vo
In essence it is saying:
It’s all about Tuckman and Jensen’s (1977) forming, storming, norming, performing process. These concepts are useful to describe the ‘language games’ that occur in social networks.
The writers provide (well researched) tips for the design and management of forums (social networks):
1) Build a Conversational Rhythm Early On
- Do this with two roles:
(A) The facilitator/moderator who welcomes newcomers, stirs up the discussion, sets the pattern for greetings and closings, and in general is instrumental in starting up the forum and building the stage for lively interactions;
(B) a small core group of very active members who engage the play of a lively pattern of friendly discourse in the forum.
2) Create A Context To Facilitate And Support Interactions
- What are the aims and what are we expected to do as we participate?
3) Develop Strong Sociability Criteria
- develop a friendly, informal style and a positive tone right from the beginning
4) Know How To Avoid Conflict Escalation
- Ignore it, take it ‘outside’ or moderate it into some good discussion depending on its context
5) Support Embodiment
- Drive success by extending the forum into face-to-face contexts
What else can I do to get the groups up and running quickly?