I’m behind on publishing some content but an opportunity has come up that trumps just about everything else. Except beer and pizza. First the background.
Many of you know that for several years now I’ve been supporting creative communities, both on and offline. If I really want to date myself then this activity goes back further than I’ll usually admit, to a stint as a writing forum moderator in the heyday of America Online. Don’t judge: it meant free dial-up. ;)
As you can see on LinkedIn, my more recent history has gone from Maemo to MeeGo to Windows Phone plus local Makers. An interesting mix of communities that has helped me understand myriad arguments for and against various platforms and preferences, as well as learn to socialize with creative types from all walks of life. This understanding has pushed my thinking above and away from the sort of religious dogma that can cripple a project, and in turn helped me (I think) be a really good all-around community leader. And even as I’ve helped Nokia’s efforts to pull in Windows Phone developers, I’ve kept a watchful eye on Jolla and kept fairly current with Qt developments. I even assisted Tuukka Ahoniemi with Qt outreach in Dallas (although other activities got in the way, something I would fix if I got this role).
Which leads me back to the opportunity.
Against all odds, I will be interviewing with Digia soon for an Online Community Manager position. Exciting! I think I’m the ideal candidate, and so do a few others who have already spoken on my behalf. But landing this position will take some serious effort: they really want someone situated in Norway, Finland or Berlin. I have to prove that I can do even better than someone in close proximity.
Now, I’ve done the remote working thing both voluntarily for the aforementioned communities and professionally for Nokia. I know I can perform this role with the same success. Heck, I’ve always said I can work from Antarctica as long as I had Internet. I just need to convince Digia.
To that end, I’m looking to the communities I serve for advice. What should I emphasize? In what areas do I still require polish? Feel free to add comments here. Be critical if you feel led. Or contact me privately, too.
I had a similar opportunity with Scarlet Motors at one point, and touched on that in an article about keeping a childlike aspect in communities, but unfortunately they lacked the means at the time to make it a paid position. The Digia role will be full time, and involves work I love and have been preparing for. I relish the opportunity to take lessons learned from other communities and see where it will support Qt’s desire for broader adoption.
I really, really want this job. Your feedback will help, and perhaps so will lobbying Digia. Make sure to hit Qt Project and Qt by Digia on twitter, as well as their Facebook page. After all, a good online community manager should mobilize Internet citizens, right? ;)
Thanks.
