4. ROLES: From Newcomer to Oldtimer
 All
around the world, in all kinds of communities, you see the same timeless
social roles in action. Newcomers arrive and must prove themselves before
being fully accepted. Natural leaders emerge and take charge of running
the show. And old-timers sit on the sidelines telling stories, performing
rituals, and kvetching about how much things have changed.
These familiar and universal roles are being played out
right now in churches and bars, playgrounds and workplaces, living rooms
and basements—and also in the mailing lists, newsgroups, chat rooms, and
virtual worlds of Cyberspace. The role that each individual plays, however,
changes over time. Shy visitors evolve into confident contributors; eager
students become knowledgeable teachers; and novice game players become
tournament champions. It's your job as a community-builder to create an
environment that fosters these basic social roles, while meeting the changing
needs of your members as they become progressively more involved in community
life.
In This Chapter The Membership Life Cycle
WelcomeYour Visitors
Instruct Your Novices
Reward Your Regulars
Empower Your Leaders
Honor Your Elders
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