Sorta random question about building community using Facebook

[PeachyDoodle]

For privacy reasons, I have to keep this pretty vague, but I hope someone can give me some ideas!

 

I am part of a group of people from around the world who have connected via the internet over a common interest. We have wanted to get to know each other more personally (the format through which we met doesn't really allow for this), so I volunteered to set up a private Facebook group. It's been six months, and things are working fine, there's been some interaction, but as the admin I'm looking to help facilitate things a bit.

 

I thought perhaps I could post a getting-to-know-you-type question once or twice a week. Like those ice breaker games you play on corporate retreats -- but I'd like them to be engaging and not cheesy. Any suggestions? Or is this just weird? Maybe I should let things develop more organically?

 

 

[regentrude]

I'd find it weird. I am part of several internet groups, and they all have developed organically. Give it time. You can share something of yourself and see what responses you get.

[Arcadia]

I am in some interest groups on Facebook, for example the local Lego User Group. I would find ice-breakers weird. The groups are to share info and discuss about the common interest/hobby. Not to know me personally.

Edited May 30, 2016 by Arcadia

[PeachyDoodle]

I am in some interest groups on Facebook, for example the local Lego User Group. I would find ice-breakers weird. The groups are to share info and discuss about the common interest/hobby. Not to know me personally.

 

I think it would be weird in that scenario too. This group, however, was formed specifically so we *could* get to know one another personally. The ones who have joined did so for that purpose.

 

Again, having to keep things vague, but it's more than just a hobby group.

 

 

[regentrude]

I think it would be weird in that scenario too. This group, however, was formed specifically so we *could* get to know one another personally. The ones who have joined did so for that purpose.

 

Again, having to keep things vague, but it's more than just a hobby group.

 

If that is the purpose, wouldn't that naturally happen in the course of conversation? I imagine all members would share about the aspect of their lives that brought them together, and conversation would develop from there?

 

you could start a round of introductory posts and encourage all members to introduce themselves as well; your post would set the general tone.

[Rosie_0801]

It won't hurt to give it a go. 

 

If it's 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' you can ask what everyone's favourite pirate story.

If it's Pancake Tuesday, you can ask what everyone's favourite topping is.

 

[Audrey]

For privacy reasons, I have to keep this pretty vague, but I hope someone can give me some ideas!

 

I am part of a group of people from around the world who have connected via the internet over a common interest. We have wanted to get to know each other more personally (the format through which we met doesn't really allow for this), so I volunteered to set up a private Facebook group. It's been six months, and things are working fine, there's been some interaction, but as the admin I'm looking to help facilitate things a bit.

 

I thought perhaps I could post a getting-to-know-you-type question once or twice a week. Like those ice breaker games you play on corporate retreats -- but I'd like them to be engaging and not cheesy. Any suggestions? Or is this just weird? Maybe I should let things develop more organically?

 

 

I'm in a private group that is a really wonderful community.  We've all known each for various lengths of time across various platforms, but have homeschooling in common.  It's a real circle of friends who help each other out in every way.  They're my tribe.  :)

 

Every now and then, someone will post what they're up to and ask others to chime in.  E.g. someone posts, "this is what is coming up for our family this weekend..... what about you all?"  And then others will post, there'll be conversation between posts, rabbit trails and other nonsense.  It stays fun and organic and no one feels forced into participating.  Not everyone will post something back every time, but over time you get to know people very well. 

 

We also have some people who are awesome at posting interesting, quirky and funny bits.  Those get the conversations going pretty well, too.

 

So... I guess my advice is to let it be natural and organic.  If you want to prompt discussions, don't be afraid to say "hey, I'm thinking about this. What do you all think?"  Or, post things that interest or amuse you and invite engagement. 

Edited May 31, 2016 by Audrey

[MomatHWTK]

If your group has interests that related to specific topics, you might post an interesting news article or blog entry on that topic to trigger a conversation. 

[J-rap]

I'm part of an interest group that does post a question now and then.  It's not a once/week type deal or anything that feels forced.  But more like, "The results of this (pertinent) research have just been published on such and such a topic.  Does anyone have any thoughts on this?  Has anyone tried anything similar and is willing to share their own experience?"

 

Or, "I am trying to figure out how to XXXX.  Does anyone have any tips they can share?"

 

The site has over 3,000 members and I don't think more than 10 people ever answer these questions at a time, but that doesn't mean they are poinless.  I think a lot of people read the answers people post.

 

You can always just give it a try and see how it goes!  

[Bluegoat]

For privacy reasons, I have to keep this pretty vague, but I hope someone can give me some ideas!

 

I am part of a group of people from around the world who have connected via the internet over a common interest. We have wanted to get to know each other more personally (the format through which we met doesn't really allow for this), so I volunteered to set up a private Facebook group. It's been six months, and things are working fine, there's been some interaction, but as the admin I'm looking to help facilitate things a bit.

 

I thought perhaps I could post a getting-to-know-you-type question once or twice a week. Like those ice breaker games you play on corporate retreats -- but I'd like them to be engaging and not cheesy. Any suggestions? Or is this just weird? Maybe I should let things develop more organically?

 

I don't think it would be weird - worthwhile to test it out and see.

 

Often someone has to get the conversations going, otherwise everyone holds back and isn't sure what is appropriate to post or talk about.

 

So - i might try to post on some topics that might be of interest, or asking people about themselves, saying something about an experience.  A lot of the same things that you might see in the chat section here.

 

I'd think of them as ways to get a conversation started.

 

I'd stay away from things that might get controversial though.

[gypsymama]

I tend to be very non-mainstream so meeting people "in the wild" is difficult for me. Most of my interactions are online and my best friends were met online. I think it's best to let it happen organically. The only two friends that I talk to on a regular basis I met online, one in a forum and one in a FB group. I also have quite a few other friends from groups/forums. People will make connections with the personalities they like best. The groups that I have been in are usually "lifestyle" based interests like minimalism, KM groups, homeschooling, specific religious interests, etc. I think most of the connections happen when questions are asked but not in a "Tell me X about yourself" way. It's always the posts asking for information .... "I need inspiration. Show me your living spaces," "What are your favorite minimalist homeschool supplies," "I need a new coffeemaker. What kind do you recommend?" etc. The conversations will get going and people will start making connections. There may be connections going on in the background that you aren't aware of also. One friend and I rarely post in the group that we met in but we started pming each other shortly after we "met" in a post and we talk regularly now. Good luck with your group :)