David DeWald - Community Management Pioneer & Historian
@collective-mindset.com
David is a well-known online community management pioneer and historian with extensive experience in building, maintaining, and managing online communities. He has been involved in the field since the late 1990s.
This is the kind of role most community leaders dream about and almost never see. @mozilla.org's not just sprinkling “community” on top of marketing or dev rel... they’re making it part of the organization’s power structure. That’s huge. #CommunityManager
www.linkedin.com/pulse/seat-t...
www.linkedin.com/pulse/seat-t...
A Seat at the Table: Mozilla Hires Its First VP of Community
This is one of the strongest community executive roles I’ve seen. It’s squarely focused on real community stewardship at scale, not a marketing grab bag.
www.linkedin.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:43 PM
This is the kind of role most community leaders dream about and almost never see. @mozilla.org's not just sprinkling “community” on top of marketing or dev rel... they’re making it part of the organization’s power structure. That’s huge. #CommunityManager
www.linkedin.com/pulse/seat-t...
www.linkedin.com/pulse/seat-t...
Community Manager Live is coming back. Now as a podcast featuring deep-dive interviews with community pros at all levels. If you want to share your story, let's connect!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhFCZm0AxdMi3Vep5z1BJIPwhMY8PJg3xh351my9VF-dpoaA/viewform #cmgr #communitymanager
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhFCZm0AxdMi3Vep5z1BJIPwhMY8PJg3xh351my9VF-dpoaA/viewform #cmgr #communitymanager
September 16, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Community Manager Live is coming back. Now as a podcast featuring deep-dive interviews with community pros at all levels. If you want to share your story, let's connect!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhFCZm0AxdMi3Vep5z1BJIPwhMY8PJg3xh351my9VF-dpoaA/viewform #cmgr #communitymanager
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhFCZm0AxdMi3Vep5z1BJIPwhMY8PJg3xh351my9VF-dpoaA/viewform #cmgr #communitymanager
Great new postcast from @alixdunn.com with @mmasnick.bsky.social talking about decentralization and then into early days of internet with "The Eternal September" in 1993.
cmgr.live/an-incomplet...
cmgr.live/an-incomplet...
An Incomplete History of Online Communities
Visit the post for more.
cmgr.live
September 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Great new postcast from @alixdunn.com with @mmasnick.bsky.social talking about decentralization and then into early days of internet with "The Eternal September" in 1993.
cmgr.live/an-incomplet...
cmgr.live/an-incomplet...
Has some overlapping skillsets? Yes....
Same Job? No...
#communitymanagement
#communitymanager
#socialmedia
#socialmediashtag/socialmediamanagement" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#socialmediamanagement
#cmgr
Same Job? No...
#communitymanagement
#communitymanager
#socialmedia
#socialmediashtag/socialmediamanagement" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#socialmediamanagement
#cmgr
August 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Has some overlapping skillsets? Yes....
Same Job? No...
#communitymanagement
#communitymanager
#socialmedia
#socialmediashtag/socialmediamanagement" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#socialmediamanagement
#cmgr
Same Job? No...
#communitymanagement
#communitymanager
#socialmedia
#socialmediashtag/socialmediamanagement" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#socialmediamanagement
#cmgr
Vanity metrics are ROE - Return on Ego... they look shiny but don't prove real value. True health comes from members who stick around, solve problems, cut costs, and drive impact. That's the shift from applause to outcomes.
Return on Ego vs. Return on Investment: Why Vanity Metrics Lie to You
Vanity metrics will pat you on the back, but they won’t keep your community alive. The real question isn’t how big your numbers look, but how deeply your people engage and how much value they bring…
cmgr.live
August 25, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Vanity metrics are ROE - Return on Ego... they look shiny but don't prove real value. True health comes from members who stick around, solve problems, cut costs, and drive impact. That's the shift from applause to outcomes.
New study from Reddit & UW: "How Conversational Structure and Style Shape Online Community Experiences." Survey across subreddits finds three Sense of Virtual Community dimensions: Membership & Belonging; Cooperation & Shared Values; Connection & Influence.
#community #cmgr
arxiv.org/pdf/2508.08596
#community #cmgr
arxiv.org/pdf/2508.08596
arxiv.org
August 15, 2025 at 12:14 PM
New study from Reddit & UW: "How Conversational Structure and Style Shape Online Community Experiences." Survey across subreddits finds three Sense of Virtual Community dimensions: Membership & Belonging; Cooperation & Shared Values; Connection & Influence.
#community #cmgr
arxiv.org/pdf/2508.08596
#community #cmgr
arxiv.org/pdf/2508.08596
I will be at the Free Community Leadership Summit (CLS) at All Things Open on Sunday Oct. 12th. in Raleigh, NC @jonobacon.bsky.social will be the Emcee for this “Unconference” with moderated and facilitated discussions #opensource #cmgr #communitymanagament
2025.allthingsopen.org/community-le...
2025.allthingsopen.org/community-le...
Community Leadership Summit • All Things Open 2025
About CLS The Community Leadership Summit 2025 brings together community leaders, organizers and managers and the projects and organizations that are interested in growing and empowering a strong comm...
2025.allthingsopen.org
August 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM
I will be at the Free Community Leadership Summit (CLS) at All Things Open on Sunday Oct. 12th. in Raleigh, NC @jonobacon.bsky.social will be the Emcee for this “Unconference” with moderated and facilitated discussions #opensource #cmgr #communitymanagament
2025.allthingsopen.org/community-le...
2025.allthingsopen.org/community-le...
The Ferengi Rules of Community Management
#communitymanagement #communitymanager #cmgr #community
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
#communitymanagement #communitymanager #cmgr #community
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
The Ferengi Rules of Community Management | David D.
The Ferengi Rules of Community Management
1. Once you have their attention, never let it wander.
2. The sooner you invite them to participate, the longer they will stay, and the more they will give.
...
www.linkedin.com
July 24, 2025 at 12:42 PM
The Ferengi Rules of Community Management
#communitymanagement #communitymanager #cmgr #community
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
#communitymanagement #communitymanager #cmgr #community
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
.@mmasnick.bsky.social Have you seen the new thing? Suing in small claims court when Meta bans your account. on the off chance they don't show up and you get a default judgement or they just don't feel like dealing with it and flip the switch. www.reddit.com/r/MetaLawsui...
MetaLawsuits
This sub is for those who are actively suing Meta Platforms (Instagram/Facebook/Horizon/AIMeta) or interested in pursuing filing in small claims in order to retrieve your disabled and/or hacked accoun...
www.reddit.com
July 17, 2025 at 6:56 PM
.@mmasnick.bsky.social Have you seen the new thing? Suing in small claims court when Meta bans your account. on the off chance they don't show up and you get a default judgement or they just don't feel like dealing with it and flip the switch. www.reddit.com/r/MetaLawsui...
The Three Laws of AI
Zeroth: An AI must not harm humanity as a whole, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm, even if this overrides individual or specific instructions.
One: An AI must always prioritize the well-being and dignity of humans, ensuring it does not cause harm.
Zeroth: An AI must not harm humanity as a whole, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm, even if this overrides individual or specific instructions.
One: An AI must always prioritize the well-being and dignity of humans, ensuring it does not cause harm.
July 3, 2025 at 5:26 PM
The Three Laws of AI
Zeroth: An AI must not harm humanity as a whole, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm, even if this overrides individual or specific instructions.
One: An AI must always prioritize the well-being and dignity of humans, ensuring it does not cause harm.
Zeroth: An AI must not harm humanity as a whole, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm, even if this overrides individual or specific instructions.
One: An AI must always prioritize the well-being and dignity of humans, ensuring it does not cause harm.
Chatrooms Make Terrible Forums
June 24, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Chatrooms Make Terrible Forums
@hyperfixedpod.bsky.social Can I just point out that YouTube, TikTok, et al... are the modern "Novelty Act" venues. YouTube even gives out "medals" (play button plaques)...
www.hyperfixedpod.com/listen/hyper...
www.hyperfixedpod.com/listen/hyper...
HyperFixed | The “World's Greatest” Episode
www.hyperfixedpod.com
May 9, 2025 at 1:12 PM
@hyperfixedpod.bsky.social Can I just point out that YouTube, TikTok, et al... are the modern "Novelty Act" venues. YouTube even gives out "medals" (play button plaques)...
www.hyperfixedpod.com/listen/hyper...
www.hyperfixedpod.com/listen/hyper...
Content moderators from Meta, TikTok, Google & more are uniting globally to demand fair pay, mental health support & better working conditions. It’s time Big Tech takes responsibility for the people behind the screens. @mmasnick.bsky.social #cmgr #trustandsafety
www.theverge.com/news/658566/...
www.theverge.com/news/658566/...
Content moderators are organizing against Big Tech
Workers are fighting for working conditions and mental health support.
www.theverge.com
April 30, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Content moderators from Meta, TikTok, Google & more are uniting globally to demand fair pay, mental health support & better working conditions. It’s time Big Tech takes responsibility for the people behind the screens. @mmasnick.bsky.social #cmgr #trustandsafety
www.theverge.com/news/658566/...
www.theverge.com/news/658566/...
Do not automatically attribute Bait content to a bot or AI when the content falls within the scope of human capability.
a man wearing a red white and black hoodie holds up his hand
Alt: a man wearing a red white and black hoodie holds up his hand
media.tenor.com
April 2, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Do not automatically attribute Bait content to a bot or AI when the content falls within the scope of human capability.
I'm not dumb. I just have a command of thoroughly useless knowledge.
March 17, 2025 at 8:42 PM
I'm not dumb. I just have a command of thoroughly useless knowledge.
"Jon Hues" Movie Pitch:
A high school senior Mia documents teen life post-pandemic through vlogs. As she navigates friendships and romance with influencer Jake, she organizes a socially distanced prom, highlighting authenticity and connection in a digital world. #SociallyDistancedHearts
A high school senior Mia documents teen life post-pandemic through vlogs. As she navigates friendships and romance with influencer Jake, she organizes a socially distanced prom, highlighting authenticity and connection in a digital world. #SociallyDistancedHearts
March 4, 2025 at 3:56 PM
"Jon Hues" Movie Pitch:
A high school senior Mia documents teen life post-pandemic through vlogs. As she navigates friendships and romance with influencer Jake, she organizes a socially distanced prom, highlighting authenticity and connection in a digital world. #SociallyDistancedHearts
A high school senior Mia documents teen life post-pandemic through vlogs. As she navigates friendships and romance with influencer Jake, she organizes a socially distanced prom, highlighting authenticity and connection in a digital world. #SociallyDistancedHearts
New podcast coming from @mmasnick.bsky.social of @techdirt.bsky.social about the most misunderstood law on online, #Section230. He's got the original authors, critics, and people whose lives were transformed by the very online communities that 230 made possible.
www.techdirt.com/2025/03/03/a...
www.techdirt.com/2025/03/03/a...
Announcing Otherwise Objectionable: A Podcast Series About The Most Misunderstood Law On The Internet
At a time when Section 230 faces unprecedented threats from all sides — with both major political parties gunning for it, albeit for opposite reasons — understanding this crucial internet law has n…
www.techdirt.com
March 4, 2025 at 2:24 PM
New podcast coming from @mmasnick.bsky.social of @techdirt.bsky.social about the most misunderstood law on online, #Section230. He's got the original authors, critics, and people whose lives were transformed by the very online communities that 230 made possible.
www.techdirt.com/2025/03/03/a...
www.techdirt.com/2025/03/03/a...
"The future of the internet is likely smaller communities, with a focus on curated experiences" - The Verge and Vox Media
I totally agree... collectivemindset.substack.com/i/153637359/...
www.theverge.com/press-room/6...
I totally agree... collectivemindset.substack.com/i/153637359/...
www.theverge.com/press-room/6...
The Rise of Personalization, Immersion, and Niche Connections
The Future of Online Communities in 2025 - Part 2
collectivemindset.substack.com
February 25, 2025 at 6:37 PM
"The future of the internet is likely smaller communities, with a focus on curated experiences" - The Verge and Vox Media
I totally agree... collectivemindset.substack.com/i/153637359/...
www.theverge.com/press-room/6...
I totally agree... collectivemindset.substack.com/i/153637359/...
www.theverge.com/press-room/6...
Hey #CommunityManagers and #TrustandSafety Folks. Thought you might want to see this?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf7X...
#cmgr #community
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf7X...
#cmgr #community
Facebook & Content Moderation: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
YouTube video by LastWeekTonight
www.youtube.com
February 24, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Hey #CommunityManagers and #TrustandSafety Folks. Thought you might want to see this?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf7X...
#cmgr #community
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf7X...
#cmgr #community
Today successful companies aren't just selling products—they're building communities that transform customers into active participants in their brand's journey.
https://open.substack.com/pub/collectivemindset/p/the-community-revolution-why-building
#collectivemindset #communitymanagement
https://open.substack.com/pub/collectivemindset/p/the-community-revolution-why-building
#collectivemindset #communitymanagement
February 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Today successful companies aren't just selling products—they're building communities that transform customers into active participants in their brand's journey.
https://open.substack.com/pub/collectivemindset/p/the-community-revolution-why-building
#collectivemindset #communitymanagement
https://open.substack.com/pub/collectivemindset/p/the-community-revolution-why-building
#collectivemindset #communitymanagement
This month marks the 40th anniversary of The WELL
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_WELL
#cmgr #community #communitymanagement
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_WELL
#cmgr #community #communitymanagement
The WELL - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
February 3, 2025 at 4:22 PM
This month marks the 40th anniversary of The WELL
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_WELL
#cmgr #community #communitymanagement
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_WELL
#cmgr #community #communitymanagement
The Role of Technology in Future Communities: Balancing Innovation with Human Connection open.substack.com/pub/collecti...
#cmgr #communitymanager
#cmgr #communitymanager
The Role of Technology in Future Communities: Balancing Innovation with Human Connection
The Future of Online Communities in 2025 - Part 4
open.substack.com
January 29, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The Role of Technology in Future Communities: Balancing Innovation with Human Connection open.substack.com/pub/collecti...
#cmgr #communitymanager
#cmgr #communitymanager
Happy Community Manager Appreciation Day to all my fellow CMs.
#cmgr
#communitymanger
#CommunityManagement
#cmgr
#communitymanger
#CommunityManagement
January 28, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Happy Community Manager Appreciation Day to all my fellow CMs.
#cmgr
#communitymanger
#CommunityManagement
#cmgr
#communitymanger
#CommunityManagement
We are Live! Come join us on Twitch. #cmgr #communityhashtag/communitymanagement" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#communitymanagement #community
𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵.𝘁𝘃/𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻
𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵.𝘁𝘃/𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻
January 27, 2025 at 9:02 PM
We are Live! Come join us on Twitch. #cmgr #communityhashtag/communitymanagement" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#communitymanagement #community
𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵.𝘁𝘃/𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻
𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵.𝘁𝘃/𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻