If you’ve ever been part of an online community—you’ve probably seen community managers in action. But what do they actually do? A lot of people assume it’s just banning trolls or posting announcements, but there’s way more to it than that.
1. “It’s Just Moderating”
People often think community managers just sit around deleting spam and handing out bans. Sure, moderation is part of the job, but it’s only a small piece. A good community manager is like a guide, event planner, and mediator all rolled into one. They help keep conversations flowing, settle disputes, and make the space feel welcoming for everyone.
2. “Anyone Can Do It”
Just because someone is active in a community doesn’t mean they’d be great at managing it. It takes a lot of patience, problem-solving, and even a bit of psychology. You have to know how to handle drama without making things worse, keep people engaged without forcing it, and balance different personalities without playing favorites.
3. “It’s Just Hanging Out Online”
Sounds like a dream job, right? In reality, community management can be exhausting. You’re dealing with people all day, which means conflict, frustration, and sometimes straight-up chaos. There are fun moments, of course, but there’s also a lot of behind-the-scenes work that no one sees—like making sure rules are fair, answering the same questions a hundred times, and keeping the peace when things get heated.
4. “A Good Community Doesn’t Need Management”
Some people believe that if a community is great, it’ll just run itself. That’s like saying a garden doesn’t need a gardener. Without someone making sure things stay organized, discussions can get messy, people might start feeling ignored, and eventually, the place just falls apart. A good community manager keeps things running smoothly without making it obvious they’re doing it.
5. “Strict Rules Keep Everything Under Control”
Yes, rules are important, but too many of them can kill a community’s vibe. People want a space where they can have fun and be themselves, not feel like they’re walking on eggshells. The best community managers know when to enforce rules and when to just let people enjoy themselves. It’s all about balance.
6. “More Posts = More Engagement”
A lot of people think a busy chat or forum means the community is thriving, but that’s not always true. If half the messages are just random spam or people complaining, that’s not real engagement. A strong community isn’t just about numbers, it’s about meaningful conversations, inside jokes, and people actually wanting to come back every day.
Community management isn’t as simple as it looks. It’s part psychology, part problem-solving, and a whole lot of patience. A great community doesn’t just happen, it takes effort, persistence and time to create a space where people feel welcome, engaged, and excited to be there.
Have you ever run a community or been part of one with a great (or terrible) manager? What’s your experience been like?
1. “It’s Just Moderating”
People often think community managers just sit around deleting spam and handing out bans. Sure, moderation is part of the job, but it’s only a small piece. A good community manager is like a guide, event planner, and mediator all rolled into one. They help keep conversations flowing, settle disputes, and make the space feel welcoming for everyone.
2. “Anyone Can Do It”
Just because someone is active in a community doesn’t mean they’d be great at managing it. It takes a lot of patience, problem-solving, and even a bit of psychology. You have to know how to handle drama without making things worse, keep people engaged without forcing it, and balance different personalities without playing favorites.
3. “It’s Just Hanging Out Online”
Sounds like a dream job, right? In reality, community management can be exhausting. You’re dealing with people all day, which means conflict, frustration, and sometimes straight-up chaos. There are fun moments, of course, but there’s also a lot of behind-the-scenes work that no one sees—like making sure rules are fair, answering the same questions a hundred times, and keeping the peace when things get heated.
4. “A Good Community Doesn’t Need Management”
Some people believe that if a community is great, it’ll just run itself. That’s like saying a garden doesn’t need a gardener. Without someone making sure things stay organized, discussions can get messy, people might start feeling ignored, and eventually, the place just falls apart. A good community manager keeps things running smoothly without making it obvious they’re doing it.
5. “Strict Rules Keep Everything Under Control”
Yes, rules are important, but too many of them can kill a community’s vibe. People want a space where they can have fun and be themselves, not feel like they’re walking on eggshells. The best community managers know when to enforce rules and when to just let people enjoy themselves. It’s all about balance.
6. “More Posts = More Engagement”
A lot of people think a busy chat or forum means the community is thriving, but that’s not always true. If half the messages are just random spam or people complaining, that’s not real engagement. A strong community isn’t just about numbers, it’s about meaningful conversations, inside jokes, and people actually wanting to come back every day.
Community management isn’t as simple as it looks. It’s part psychology, part problem-solving, and a whole lot of patience. A great community doesn’t just happen, it takes effort, persistence and time to create a space where people feel welcome, engaged, and excited to be there.
Have you ever run a community or been part of one with a great (or terrible) manager? What’s your experience been like?
