It involves not acting like an admin
Currency collecting has a lot of gatekeepers.
Extremely well-formed opinions end up masquerading as indisputable fact, and it can be off-putting. I've found that it extinguishes beginner enthusiasm. The experience I had with other groups turned them into arch-enemies and I do everything I can to maintain an encouraging environment in my group.
I used to respond to critical comments
When the naysayers came out to shoot down people's bills and such, I used to respond directly to some of the harsher ones.
This rarely went well because, shocker, people don't change their mind that often. They would dig in their heels and I would be cleaning up a mess afterwards. That, and some of the members didn't really enjoy seeing a food fight in front of them.
Though in some ways I was “allowed” to do this as an administrator of the group, it wasn't an effective use of my time. It wasn't effective, period.
Being more of a participant than an admin
What I've done for some time is assume the role of an enthusiastic, supportive group member rather than an admin.
If I see someone who has their dealer glasses on and is being dismissive of a bill that they wouldn't sell — even though the bill is cool — I just mostly let it go. That's their perspective and as long as it's not being mean or attacking the person, I keep it.
But what I will do is add a comment of my own that expresses my perspective. I will:
- find the good points of the bill
- say that I have a few like it myself if I do
- tell them I see why they pulled it out
- thank them for posting
- remind them that they don't need permission to think a bill is cool
- encourage them to collect what they enjoy
- etc., etc.
I don't shoot down other commenters or call them out.
People following the post or coming along later will see my comment alongside the others and will form their own opinions about what's going on.
And that's all right.
Being a participant is lower-stress
Overall, it's a lot less stressful to just be supportive and encouraging. I don't often get push-back for doing things this way.
If someone does take issue, I'll respond, but I also have the ability to shut things down if they become disruptive, so it doesn't happen often.
This shift of perspective has made maintaining the group much easier and more fun.
A winning combination! And I don't think all the gatekeepers even mind that much!
If you have a Facebook Group or another community …
… consider letting differing opinions happen and contribute your own without pulling the admin card all the time.
See if it makes maintaining things easier!
Thanks for reading!
Hi, I'm John and I encourage entrepreneurship in people, including myself.
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