Image via CrunchBase

My work for the Minnesota Susan G. Komen Affiliate office has continued since my initial November post. 

I think the most important part of the process, so far, has been the discussions with the affiliate co-chairs. They had some questions, some fears and some reservations -

all to be expected. Many of the questions and fears are not unlike those of a corporation. 

They are concerned about moderating content.  They are concerned about inappropriate content.  They have fears about misinformation being shared.  All is normal.

They have been quick to suspend their fears and uncertainties for the prospect of providing a real hub for Minnesotans who have stories they want to share about breast cancer.  The hope is that patients, family members, grantees, supporters, and doctors will share there stories and connect with each other in a new online space.

I am a bit disappointed in my own state of mind about this community creation.  I have to admit; I have been hyper-focused on choosing the best platform.  I've been debating between using a Wordpress site or Ning.  I have considered other platforms but I felt that one of these two would be the shortest distance between two points.  I have waffled between the two with preferences for each from time to time.

Both Ning and Wordpress are really great platforms. Both could serve my purposes.

The fact is- it just doesn't matter.  I've been hung up on choosing the platform.  I've been hung up on the technology. Stupid me. 

I fell into the same trap that many companies wade into - they spend more dollars and more time trying to choose the best technology when the real focus needs to be on the connections and conversations.  The real challenge for this community will be mapping it to the lifestyles of the participants we hope will join. 

Make it work.  Make it relevant.  Make it relatively easy.