Hi I’m Mark, the new Community Manager for BecomeAnEX. I’ve been managing online communities for major brands since 2009, participating in organization sponsored peer to peer support communities since 2006 and have been actively engaged as an expert on many online communities well before that. Connecting people and supporting others online is part of my DNA.
You’re probably wondering what a Community Manager is and why The EX needs one? Let’s first start off with a little history.
For those who don’t know, this community has been around since 2008 helping people with their Quit. Like a quilt, there are beautiful stories of success, struggles and friendship woven, sewn and patched deep into this community. The members of this community are a beautiful array of those different pieces. Since 2008 there have been a few Community Admins who have assisted the community along the way in sewing the beautiful pieces of fabric together. Several long-time members have contributed to this effort as well.
Over the years the backing that frames the quilt has aged and has become worn to the point that the quilt is fragile. The quilt, though beautiful and aged, is in need of some long overdue love and attention. We’re looking to make the community a more enjoyable and useful place so that the beautiful pieces, old and new, can be sewn together again.
For me, the first part of this journey is to become an active and integrated member of the community. There are no lines drawn in the sand between myself and the members of this community. We are all one and I will try to make myself as accessible as possible to you. I’m here to learn just as much from you all as you will from me. As we rebuild the quilt, I’ll be the thread between the Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative and the members of the community. Together we’ll restore the beauty.
Secondly, as the Community Manager, I’m here to help determine what framework will be the best for the longevity of the community. We’ll be including the best things(Many of which have come from the creativity of the community members) that we can from the existing community. I’ve already been working diligently to understand what features and functions you like currently and what could use an update. As with any change, things may be retired as we move to a new community framework however all decisions will be made carefully to ensure success and ease of usability of the community. We’ll continue to gather feedback from you as we begin to build the new community. So if you see a call for feedback, please don’t hesitate to participate. I want to make it better and easier for you, so you enjoy coming here daily or whenever you need support.
Lastly, in addition to revitalization of the community I’ll be working to ensure the day to day operations of the community go more smoothly. Working to ensure the community remains user friendly and useful to both long-time and new community members. It will be a two-way ongoing dialogue.
I’m excited for this new journey and the opportunity this community presents for all current and future EX members. I’ve read a lot on this community already and YOUR stories are inspiring and amazing. I look forward to the many yet to be written.
As with any changing of the guard, my arrival is bittersweet. I’d like to thank Sean for all he has done to this point and wish him well in his next adventure.
Mark
Community Manager @ BecomeAnEx
