If we stay for the moment focused on just the dynamics of groups, we might gain insight.
In the early advent of our AOL journal community (July, 2003), people found a bond with each other and a group formed of people interested in journal potential and in helping one another clear hurdles of technical difficulties. The AOL - Jland or Jcommunity clearly supports individual uniqueness found in their own and each other’s journal work. And, in addition, "Each of the members honed their skills and capabilities through the feedback of others. There was interdependency (which is a good thing).
The structure of the original group of members helping and supporting one another stayed cohesively in tact after the journals become public in August. Role-making within the group took place as people began to link with one another and take on visitations. The J-community journal awards helped define status amongst individuals within the group and another source of status came with the awarding of the Excellence in journal awards.
One of the norms seemed to be that members not be critical of one another. In the formation of two smaller groups within the one community (now each of about 170 people), the group seemed to sidestep a difficulty in the acceptance of the difference found in two male leaders. I think this was considered acceptable by the larger group because each of the two smaller groups maintained general norms of not being critical to one another and each continued to support and reach out toward newer members.
This last week, a norm of not being critical of one another, was challenged in the usage of the term "clique." It seemed to have hurt, angered or confused individuals who had each contributed so much to the whole of a unified group norm of being open and supportive of one another. In responce, many members then helped to subside that "threat."
Maybe the J-community is ready to take the next step. We can respond to our similarities or differences through dialogue, or we can act out our bruised feelings. I would hope for the first of these objectives. Can we start then with a discussion of our group structure, perceived community roles and norms, and the ideal goal of cohesiveness that appears to be very important to the group and its individual members?
I'd like to see these discussions held by known leaders with larger readerships. We like our role of supporter.
8 comments:
Once again, very well written and thought out. Thanks for sharing this.
Ayn..Thanks for the historical perspective. As you know, I`m a comparative newcomer and it`s quite helpful to me in understanding Journal land.I had no knowledge of the group structure, norms,etc. Very interesting..Explains some things to me...I really hope this post gets a wide readership.
Vince
Excellent post Ayn! Thank you for bringing this entry to my attention! You've brought some valuable insight to the table! Thank you! Also, if you have the time, please check out Carly's entry on the subject. I think you'll enjoy what she has to say as well. :-)
http://beta.journals.aol.com/ondinemonet/Ellipsis/
Great ideas. I will support anything that will keep us all on a friendly basis. Ayn, you seem to have a real handle on this "Group Dynamics" I would hope you will take a leading role in the Community to help us all stay focused and friendly. My Regards to you all, Bill.
I was gone for a few days and found a controversy about clicques brewing. I've said this in other journals and I'll say it again here: perception is NOT the territory. The way we see things isn't the way they really are! The journals are a place to express our thoughts and feelings, and even though some of those may be negative, it's an opportunity for dialogue through which we can better understand each other.
This is great Ayn, beautifully written and of course well recieved by me. I so agree with what you have written here. It's very easy to get caught up in drama, especially when one feels the perceived threat. But the most amazing thing I've encountered here, not only with you, but with so many others, is the love and genuine support that exists in this community. And it truly is an community, tight-knit and strong. To give in to the negativity, it only sets us back as human beings.
I'm glad to have read this, and I'm even more grateful to have you as a friend.
Love always, Penny
Great post you guys/gals! Like a clinician's report - very observant, intelligent, unbiased, informative. I appreciate your perspective. Always.
Your wording here couldn't be more perfect, Ayn! You're awesome!
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