Why online communities matter

While we all get wrapped up in the technical/design side of things so many times, we tend to forget why online communities really matter.  I wanted to share a quick story that meant so much to me.

Some of you know my Dad has been battling lung cancer for several months now. It has been especially hard on my Mom, even with her background in the medical field.

I kept trying to convince them to talk to a support group – a counseler – someone to help them through this.

I spent a few days at the hospital a couple weeks ago and my Mom was sitting there on her computer – - a VERY odd sight.  She is not exactly tech-saavy.  After a while, I just glanced over to see what she was doing. While looking for answers, weeks before she had stumbled upon a community for cancer patients, survivors, and their families.  She then went on to show me the hours of conversations she has had with doctors, and other perfect strangers through this site – all the friends she has met – all the support she has gotten.  And she told me it has helped her get answers when she felt like their were none.

I was stunned – and not because this technology existed – I know it does.  But, because it was serving it’s purpose – to bring people together.

I know this is a bit touchy-feely for a corporate environment – but it meant a lot to me, and really made me think about what we do here every single day.

When we build a community, or sell our product, we might be helping someone like my Mother connect where there were no other options available to them.