How do you define a community?

[JPDeni]

I've had a site up for several years now -- switched to SMF about 18 months ago, but it was an active forum for three or four years before that. Like with most places, I'm sure, people have come and gone over the years. Some that were the most prolific posters have gone on to other things.

In the past, I made up t-shirts with the top community members' names on it, just for fun. At that time, I put the names of the 50 members with the most posts.

I was going to make an updated t-shirt, but I'm not sure which names I should use. Some of those from before are still within the "top poster" group, but haven't really been part of the community for a while. Then there are others who don't post a lot, but they come to the site every day and when they do add a post, it's insightful and interesting. Then there's others that I just happen to really like a whole lot. (Sometimes I feel like a mom, playing favorites.)

I went into the database and did some searches based on the number of posts and the amount of time logged in, but some of the ones that came up didn't necessarily fit what I feel are really part of the community. Others that are part of the community weren't on the list.

I'm not sure what I should do. Maybe I could come up with just the right query to include only the ones that should be there, but include all those that should. Or maybe I should just pick the ones I want. Or I could forget the whole thing. 

How would you define who the really core members of your community are?

[Smoky]

hmm i'd say right of the bat, that's hard to do, but sitting here thinking about it, its a "personal" issue,, and on that note, I'd have to say the ones that have stuck around, regardless of post count, but that have "touched" you on the little and big things concerning the site. I have a few members that like to pm me, or even email me off my site, that still have an interest in the site but due to time for work etc., are a very big part.

its hard to say for "core members" sometimes not very time signed in matters, not post count, or anything like that, so I would think it would be the people that "influence" and thats something you cant pull from a database lol.. or the forum itself.. but then, these is just my oppinion too, and i might not know what I'm talking about, as usual!!  :buck2:

[JPDeni]

That's definitely a valid point and one I've been considering.

My real concern, I guess, is that someone will get mad at me for not being included. If it's based on a query, then I have something to back me up.

Of course, I could put the people I want and just say it was based on a query but I'm not a very good liar.

[Smoky]

lol in a way, Jp, it is based on Querry.. you are using your brain, and providing a motivation for the next time.. there for, by picking out those that are core, or really put forth the effort, no matter if its a t shirt, a mug, or just a card saying thank you, it is the thought that matters in the end..

and by the way, people get upset with me to.. i just take it all in, and think about it.. if its something i can change fror the better, then its all good, if not, then i try not to think bout it, for it will do me no good!! lol.. (cant help it, im a hard head!!)  :buck2: :coolsmiley:

[G6Cad]

Perhaps make it "Noticed Members" or "VIP to site" or similar ?