Most websites that have successfully built community - persons who are interested in the site's mission, who register, visit often and participate - can draw from many millions of potential members. They can succeed by enrolling just a small percentage of them. They use web-based methods to build community, though they may use other ways to attract visitors.

A neighborhood website will want to attract outsiders to the neighborhood and will have aspects that might be called "outreach" in some organizations. But its member population is defined, much smaller and probably diverse in age and other interests. For example, a community development corporation wants to reach those who work in the community, who own businesses, long-term and "passing-through" residents, apartment owners, homeowners and renters . The "digital divide" may make it hard to reach some segments of the community. The small number of members and their proximity makes other modes of communication feasible: mail,  newsletters, bulletin boards, phone contact and face-to-face meetings.

Then what works on neighborhood and community websites?

In addition to more than four years building this website, for nine years I've webmastered a religious community's website, web calendar and emails and I've built sites for my condominium and my college class. I can relate some ideas and experiences. But, frankly I'm not sure of what works best, so I offer no direction and no recommendations.

What this page does have for those interested in building communities are categorized (and soon to be annotated) links to sites and pages on web-based ways to that may be useful. It also lists Cleveland and inner-ring suburban neighborhood websites to see local current practice.

I hope some of these resources will be helpful. Your suggestions for other links are welcome. Email Arnie AT shakersquare DOT net

Arnold Berger

March 2008