Just got back from the Sex:Tech conference where I shared the stage with Derrick Oien from Rabble and Janet Kornblum from USA Today. As many long time readers know, I'm a huge advocate of comprehensive sex education for teens, so I was really honored to be at this event. I'm also re-energized about my virtual peer counselor widget-now-application project and feel like there were lots of partners and funders at the event who can actually make this happen. I wanted to share a part of Derrick's preso I found fascinating as the former "director of online community" at Current TV -- he had a series of slides detailing different community archetypes...as birds. They are:

The Rooster

Traits:
opinionated
provocative
political
prolific

The ROOSTER is a strong character who basically believes that if he struts around and makes the most noise with the most posts, he has a good chance of swaying others to his way of thinking. The ROOSTER posts often and passionately and enjoys engaging in debate with other members about subjects that range from silly to serious. ROOSTERs can be great at getting other passive users motivated to engage publicly to support and defend a wide range of opinions. Think Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter.

The Flamingo

Traits:
narcissistic
outgoing
competitive
popular

The attention seeking FLAMINGO knows no boundaries when it comes to the pursuit of a coveted "Most Viewed"/"Most Friends" top 10 ranking. The FLAMINGO uses provocative images and messages to gain popularity and build massive friend lists and views. They pursue popularity with military precision and the right ammunition -- scantily clad photos and promises of cell numbers. They are the celebrities of the service and as such, are easily befriended by other users to boost their own social capital. Think Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.

The Pigeon

Traits:
Multi-numbered
Benign
Loyal
Friendly

Many social networking groups contain large numbers of users who are more comfortable simply browsing and viewing other member's content rather than posting their own. These users like hanging out and interacting with other members where there is a friend relationship in place. Although they may not actively engage in public posting, they actively message and post comments on their mutual friend's pages. PIGEONS will rally and flock around their group when the situation prompts them to engage as they are highly loyal. But in most instances they are happy to stay behind the scenes and leave the drama to other members. Think Tom, Dick and Harry.

Newsletter readers: Visit Ypulse.com for the rest of the birds....

The Vulture

Traits:
opportunistic
mischievous
obnoxious
loud

The VULTURE loves to soar in and target other members or groups with scorn and derisive commentary and they frequently encourage other members to partake in the behavior. With uncanny sense, they often choose the most unlikely victims and they especially like targeting popular members in hopes of damaging their social collateral. The VULTURE will be the one user who reads that you have listed Josh Groban amongst your favorite music and will then exploit this fact to other site members to discredit your standing. The VULTURE may not post frequently but he is excellent at stirring up discord in the community amongst members. Think Simon Cowell.

The Owl

Traits:
wise
helpful
seasoned
ambassador

The OWL is like the elder statesman of the community. OWLS use the community as it was intended, they are very knowledgeable on features and frequently act as a resource for other members. They act as community ambassadors, often jumping in to correct bad behaviors and assisting the community staff by giving them the heads up when issues arise. OWLS are long term users who build real friendships and relationships by investing in the community. They are interesting and insightful and in many ways can set the tone of the community and affect the type of members it attracts. Think cool older brothers and sisters.

The Crow

Traits:
self-promoter
active poster
tastemaker
social

The CROW is a brilliant self promoter who uses the service to talk about his most favorite subject -- himself. CROWs post frequently about everything and anything and can build up a faithful audience of friends and fans over time. CROWS are social by nature and engage in other site activity such as messaging and commenting. They are born motivators and advice givers and will frequently provide support to other users as they see fit. CROWS tend to have a shelf life of popularity and tend not to transition when the community undergoes an evolution in members. Think any reality show star.

The Lovebirds

Traits:
single
bored
lonely
optimistic

LOVEBIRDS, who are generally female, join communities to meet new people and perhaps even gasp! Mr. Right. LOVEBIRDS may not post frequently, but they put a lot of work into their profiles and may frequently swap out their profile picture depending on the feedback they are getting and the number of friend requests. LOVEBIRDS navigate the community exhausting all potential matches and deny all when things don't work out and their trysts are revealed publicly to all other members. Think anyone who watches talk shows like Tyra or Oprah.

Posted by anastasia