Just as there are different types of community, there are also different types of community members, all of which move through a lifecycle. 

• Visitor - just testing the waters and likely hasn’t signed up

• Novice - new and inexperienced, but they’re here

• Regular - been here a while and understands how things work

• Leader - long-running member that is recognised and respected by other members and may have taken on (in)formal roles

• Elder - longest-standing members who most embody the community culture

Contrary to how it might appear, all members are equally valuable. If a community is full of leaders and elders then it becomes rigid - and likely indicates stagnant growth - but too many visitors and novices leads to chaos. It shouldn’t be a linear pathway from visitor to elder; rather it should be circular.

What can platforms do to cultivate this healthy, circular relationship where members at all stages support each other? Share your thoughts in the replies!