One thing I've learned over the past few months is that participation and engagement are not the same thing. When I first started Dark Horse, I assumed people would join discussions, ask questions, share experiences, challenge ideas, compare notes, and debate the topics being discussed.
Instead, I've discovered most people prefer to watch from the shadows. Honestly, I didn't expect that.
More so because that's not how I've operated in the communities I've belonged to or currently participate in.
What I've discovered instead is that many people prefer to observe. They read. They absorb. They follow along. And they rarely say a word.
I find that fascinating because from the admin side, it can sometimes feel like you're talking to an empty room.
This community has grown to 70 members, which I'm incredibly thankful for.
One thing I've realized is that what people join for and what people engage with may not always be the same thing.