Television is the biggest threat to your community. There are also lots of productive things that people can do instead of participating in your online community.
If you want to win the battle of your audience’s time, don’t focus upon content. Television, books and other media will always win that battle. Focus on the psychological highs of participating in a community. Emphasize the aspects that television can’t offer. These include:
- Real-time interaction with people.
- An opportunity to have power and feel important within a group.
- Working with others to achieve a goal/mission.
- A place to belong and be appreciated for your knowledge/passion/abilities/beliefs.
Compete where television can’t. Launch activities and stimulate discussions to increase the number of real-time interactions. Offer members opportunities to gain power within the group, set common goals and foster interactions. Encourage members to share their best advice and recommendations.