So, you want to start a Community Project . . .
Running a Community Project here on deviantART can be a lot of fun . . . and also a lot of work!
The rewards can be great, as Projects can make our community better and more fun for everyone. This article strives to clarify some things that you will need to consider before you implement a Community Project. We hope it will help you feel more prepared and therefore will support your success as a Community Project Leader.Here are some things you should ask yourself:
1. Do I really have the time to take on a project right now?
I'm listing this question first because, in my opinion, it's the most important. Community Projects can take up quite a bit of your time if they are run successfully. Take it from someone who's been there: Don't over-commit yourself! There's nothing more frustrating to you as a leader (and perhaps to others in the community) than getting geared up for a project and then burning out because you don't have adequate time to dedicate to the project. Plan your time in advance. My rule of thumb is to make sure you at the very least have a few hours per week, maybe 30 minutes or so per day. (Honestly, that is probably an UNDERestimate of how much time it could take.) Don't burn out.
2. Who can support me in running this project?
Who are your Co-Founders going to be? After all, two heads (or more) are better than one, right? Having people you can rely on to help you launch your project and keep it going once it starts can help reduce pressure on you. It's nearly impossible to keep a project up when it is just you, yourself, calling all the shots and taking care of all the project tasks. You'll burn out (see above)!
Having teammates you can count on is the key to any successful project, so recruit some early in the process and take advantage of their experience and expertise and how they complement your own.3. What is your vision for the project?
It's important to have some vision for what you are trying to accomplish with your new project. Write it down and share it with your Co-Founders or teammates. Get their input and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Others' ideas make our own visions richer, so be open to hearing what others have to say. Finally, craft your vision into a mission statement for your project or group. This mission statement helps inspire people and keep them focused on what the project was created to achieve.
4. Is there a need for a project like yours?
Think about who your target audience is. Are there groups that are already doing what you want to do? If so, then perhaps it would be better to align with them than create something new. Is there a need for something new and different, and can you fulfill that need? Talk to people and find out whether or not they would like to have a project like yours available to them. If there is little or no interest, then you might be wasting your time.
Stay tuned this week for more insights into running Community Projects! And, as always, stay devious.
