Amazing breakdown Bri! Skool is fascinating because one could make the argument it's barely a community platform at all, and more like a social network with "Groups" being the foremost element of the platform. They'll get you members because of the network effect of sitting inside of Skool's walls and domain. Very different business model when you don't control the relationship with your member.
Thanks Tight Knit Team! I think that's a really good point. They've definitely crested the tipping point into getting the network effect. Which can be beneficial if you're the most worried about finding people, but you're exactly right in that your forfeit that relationship with your member. I still prefer Slack communities where you get the network effect, but you own the relationship.
This is really interesting, Bri! I have been curious if there is any public data on the demographics on Skool although anecdotally I do see the same patterns as you - do you know?
I've been doing a much deeper dive of this and while it does appear that they have many communities and users that fall outside of this category (I'm not certain on the actual stats), their communities and voices very quickly fade to the background. But I'm hopeful Skool can make some changes to elevate these more heart-led folks using their tool!
I like your observation about gamification. I think it is meant for younger people, school kids that want to level-up and earn badges. Like Scouts or Guides (do they still have those movements?) Udemy seems to have a system in place that when instructors post answers to the questions of another instructor, the answering instructor earns a title (I forget the titles now) something like 'Seeker' , 'Advisor' or 'Pro-advisor'. These titles appear behind their names when they engage in the community of instructors. I felt that was more appropriate than badges or leaderboards.
Which one has the better mobile app? Nobody wants to log into community from a computer anymore. Most people will be on a mobile device . I would think.
I haven't tested the mobile experience in skool in a lot of depth. I think you're right, but it depends on the type of community and it's purpose. I find professional development communities are still majority desktop over mobile (but that might be because they don't have a good mobile experience!).
''Good engagement is your members creating valuable exchanges. IF gamification can accurately quantify the value of your members exchanged online, and reward them accordingly and transparently, amazing.'' Put that in a frame. Completely agree. I see it more as a cherry on top, a nice to have (if well implemented.) To make it the whole basis of the platform is misguided IMO. As you point out, it also creates this potentially harmful hierarchy and ''status game'' within your community. The carrot of gamification isn't the reason why people should engage.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
It’s always great to hear your take on community platforms. Continues to be incredibly valuable.
Thank you for sharing that!
Great video, do you have another channel? Cause your history of the last decade makes me wonder why there are only 300 subs on this one? Just curious
Haha, no just got that slow and steady youtube game! I haven't been super strategic with my videos in the past, but that's slowly changing :)
Great video. It provided the information I needed to make an informed decision about where I’m hosting my community. Keep producing great content
I'm so glad it helped! And thank you for the encouragement :)
Amazing breakdown Bri! Skool is fascinating because one could make the argument it's barely a community platform at all, and more like a social network with "Groups" being the foremost element of the platform. They'll get you members because of the network effect of sitting inside of Skool's walls and domain. Very different business model when you don't control the relationship with your member.
Thanks Tight Knit Team! I think that's a really good point. They've definitely crested the tipping point into getting the network effect. Which can be beneficial if you're the most worried about finding people, but you're exactly right in that your forfeit that relationship with your member. I still prefer Slack communities where you get the network effect, but you own the relationship.
Great video. Where is the blogpost link?
great catch - here you go! www.emberconsulting.co/post/compare-all-in-one-community-platforms-circle-vs-skool
This is really interesting, Bri! I have been curious if there is any public data on the demographics on Skool although anecdotally I do see the same patterns as you - do you know?
I've been doing a much deeper dive of this and while it does appear that they have many communities and users that fall outside of this category (I'm not certain on the actual stats), their communities and voices very quickly fade to the background. But I'm hopeful Skool can make some changes to elevate these more heart-led folks using their tool!
I like your observation about gamification. I think it is meant for younger people, school kids that want to level-up and earn badges. Like Scouts or Guides (do they still have those movements?) Udemy seems to have a system in place that when instructors post answers to the questions of another instructor, the answering instructor earns a title (I forget the titles now) something like 'Seeker' , 'Advisor' or 'Pro-advisor'. These titles appear behind their names when they engage in the community of instructors. I felt that was more appropriate than badges or leaderboards.
I like that moderator-style approach to gamification - thank you for sharing!
Thanks Bri, it helps me a lot!!
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Which one has the better mobile app? Nobody wants to log into community from a computer anymore. Most people will be on a mobile device . I would think.
I haven't tested the mobile experience in skool in a lot of depth. I think you're right, but it depends on the type of community and it's purpose. I find professional development communities are still majority desktop over mobile (but that might be because they don't have a good mobile experience!).
@ thank you.
Very well done Bri!
thank you David! Appreciate the encouragement :)
Thank you for speaking out loud what I’ve been sensing about the bro vibe on Skool. It’s very off putting no matter how simple the platform is.
it's such a bummer because I think of all of the platforms, they are the most simple and accessible, but you're no the only one who feels that way.
The note about Mighty Networks being overly complicated. YES. LOL
''Good engagement is your members creating valuable exchanges. IF gamification can accurately quantify the value of your members exchanged online, and reward them accordingly and transparently, amazing.'' Put that in a frame. Completely agree.
I see it more as a cherry on top, a nice to have (if well implemented.) To make it the whole basis of the platform is misguided IMO. As you point out, it also creates this potentially harmful hierarchy and ''status game'' within your community. The carrot of gamification isn't the reason why people should engage.
Haha, thank you! 💯 the rightful place is the cherry on top, not the foundation for your engagement strategy.