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.
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.
''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.
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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.
It’s always great to hear your take on community platforms. Continues to be incredibly valuable.
Thank you for sharing that!
The note about Mighty Networks being overly complicated. YES. LOL
Very well done Bri!
thank you David! Appreciate the encouragement :)
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!
''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.
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.