The Recipe for Aggressively Positive Online Communities

Online communities can be powerful forces for good.

We've all seen how online interactions can eat away at our humanity and divide us into our Echo Chambers and just reinforce our isolation. But the other side of that, the aggressive Mr. Roger side, that is a force to be reckoned with. And if we can just be intentional with our online actions, sprinkle in some good old-fashioned southern hospitality, season it up with a few cuss words, we can make the world a much better place.

Start by creating a welcoming and inclusive space.

The first step to building a positive online community is to create a welcoming and inclusive space. This means making sure that everyone feels welcome, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor. It also means being respectful of different opinions and perspectives.

Defend the boundaries of your community.

Once you've created a welcoming and inclusive space, it's important to defend its boundaries. This means not tolerating hate speech, bullying, or other forms of negativity. It also means being willing to stand up for your values, even when it's unpopular.

Engage with negativity in a proactive manner.

When you see negativity in your community, don't ignore it. Instead, engage with it in a proactive manner. This doesn't mean getting into arguments or name-calling. Instead, it means responding with empathy and understanding. It means trying to see things from the other person's perspective. And it means being willing to apologize when you're wrong.

Focus on engagement over views.

Don't get me wrong, we all want that video that's been viewed 10 million times. But if the viewers are not interacting with your content, what do the views matter? I want an audience that is plugged in, invested in me and their fellow community members, finding something of value in my content and then taking action after building a platform of nearly three million followers, writing a cookbook and releasing three different versions of that cookbook, landing brand deals and sponsorships that I could only ever dream of. Let me tell you what my measure of true success is, it's the way my audience interacts with each other in the comment section. That is the canary in the coal mine that will tell you if you've achieved your goal or not.

Use your platform to make a difference.

Once you've built a strong and positive online community, you can use it to make a difference in the world. This could involve raising money for charity, volunteering your time, or simply spreading kindness and positivity.

Don't be afraid to show your personality.

People are more likely to connect with you if they feel like they know you. So don't be afraid to show your personality in your online interactions. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. And be yourself.

Be consistent and authentic.

It's important to be consistent and authentic in your online interactions. This means posting regularly and being true to yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not. People will appreciate your honesty and authenticity.

Build relationships with your audience.

Take the time to build relationships with your audience. Respond to their comments, ask them questions, and get to know them. The more connected you are with your audience, the stronger your community will be.

Make it easy for people to connect with each other.

Make it easy for people to connect with each other in your community. Create opportunities for them to interact with each other, such as through discussion forums, group chats, or social events.

Celebrate your successes.

Celebrate your successes with your community. When you reach a milestone, share it with your audience. And when you do something amazing, don't be afraid to brag a little. Your community will be proud of you. Building a positive online community takes time and effort. But it's worth it. When you create a space where people feel welcome, respected, and supported, you can make a real difference in their lives. So what are you waiting for? Start building your own positive online community today.