This document discusses how to build an engaged community around a blog by taking lessons from Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Nation. It recommends defining the focal point and purpose of the blog and community. Key aspects that helped the Colbert Nation succeed included treating fans with respect, giving the community an identity through activities and culture, and using online tools to encourage interaction and growth. Building a strong community requires actively engaging readers through calls to action, featuring reader content, and connecting through social media and comments.

1. Taking tips from Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Nation to build community among your readers How to build your nation Presented by : DB Ferguson Webmaster, NoFactZone.net

2. XKCD on Community

3. The basics behind community LEADERS

4. The No Fact Zone community The Completists

5. What is community? Community ≠ Audience Community = Interactive Conversation

6. What makes the Colbert Nation unique? Focal point is always Stephen Colbert Our name – the Colbert Nation Call to Action Bestowing the “Colbert Bump” Treating the fans with respect and attention Using the internet to grow the fan base

7. Defining your blog YOUR FOCAL POINT

8. Defining your blog YOUR FOCAL POINT

9. YOUR COMMUNITY – Questions to ask What kind of communities already exist in your niche? How is your community going to fill a need that is not being met? What will be the structure of your blog – key defining points and attitudes of content? What will your community standards be?

10. What kind of community do you want? Shiny Happy Community Sad Stressful Community

11. Give identity to your community Naming your community

12. Define your possible reader base

13. Where to find readers Friends Message boards Official site communities Twitter

14. Build your own culture No Fact Zone vocabulary Zoner – A reader/community member of No Fact Zone Completist– Staff member of No Fact Zone Geoffrey why?! – From “Strangers With Candy”, an exclamation of disbelief or unhappiness *HEADDESK* - Zoner equivalent to *FACEPALM* in Lulz speak Colboarder – community member of ColbertNation.com boards *Balloon Drop* - exclamation of happiness or celebration

15. Encouraging readers to be active in your community CALLS TO ACTION

16. Why the Nation is so rabid INTERACTION!!

17. Three words: Make It Easy!!

18. Activities for your community Encourage readers to submit content Live meetups Blog suggestion posts Contests Off-topic posts Polls and Surveys Message boards

19. Hosting your own message board? Pros Cons Gives your community a better chance to know each other Control off-topic content, channel away from main blog Gives your readers a chance to guide content Not as much control over guided conversation Much more opportunity for dischord and conflict Cliques could make new members feel unwelcome Time suck – taking away from blogging

21. Featuring content from your readers and from other blogs Bump your readers

22. Ways to feature readers Blogroll Guest posts Reaching out to primary sources of news Invite readers to become staff Better Know a Staffer/Reader/Community Member

23. Gratuitous Eye Candy Slide

24. Treat your readers with respect and kindness to win their loyalty and devotion Loyalty Through Kindness

25. Connecting with your readers Social Networking (Twitter/Facebook) E-mail commenters and thank them Comment Reply Notification plugin Participate in other communities IM with people who have e-mailed you in Gmail Offer your help to other bloggers/readers

26. Using online blogging tools to build your community THE INTERNET IS YOUR FRIEND

27. WORDPRESS TOOLS Threaded comments Contact forms Social networking plugins Shout Out (Hey!) - Comment Rater plugin Unique and prominentRSS Feed button Woopra – Trending Topics

28. What makes your community unique? Distinct focal point of blog and direction in your community Your community name and culture The activities within your community Recognition of readers Treating the readers with respect and attention Using WordPress tools to grow your community

29. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING DB Ferguson www.nofactzone.net db@nofactzone.net Twitter - @dbferguson