The Right Way to Build an Online Community: 3 Rules From Investor and Flickr Cofounder Caterina Fake

In her own words, 'You are the framer, the giver of laws, the establisher of norms - and the way you lead your first generation of users will shape how they lead the next generation and the next.' These insightful remarks by Caterina Fake, co-founder of Flickr, highlight the significance of laying a strong foundation for online communities. As she reflects on her creation, it's astonishing to see how many conventions of social media were born from Flickr.

When Flickr was first launched in 2004, it was home to a small tribe of people sharing their photos online. In those early days, users weren't marketing themselves; they were having conversations. The community was built around genuine connections, not sales or advertising opportunities. This is what makes Flickr's story so remarkable - it shows that even the most successful online platforms can start with a simple idea and grow organically.

Caterina Fake believes that to fix many of today's online communities, you almost have to start over. She sees a corruption of the online communities she envisioned across the web. However, instead of taking credit for social media, she chooses not to receive any accolades. In her view, what we call 'social media' is actually a distortion of the original intention.

Flickr's influence on modern social media is undeniable. Photo sharing led to the concept of 'followers,' while followers begat activity feeds. Caterina Fake's wisdom can be applied to any online community seeking to build a lasting and meaningful presence. By following her three rules, you too can create a thriving online environment:

1. Go back to the founding principles: Remember why your community was started in the first place. What values did you want to uphold? What problems did you want to solve?

2. Focus on genuine connections: Build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Don't prioritize sales or marketing opportunities over meaningful interactions.

3. Start with a strong foundation: Invest time and effort into building a solid base for your community. This will help you avoid the pitfalls of corruption and ensure that your platform remains true to its original purpose.

In an era dominated by social media, Caterina Fake's insights are more relevant than ever. By embracing her rules, we can create online communities that truly thrive and bring people together in meaningful ways.

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