A naukri.com initiative
Dev
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Image Credit: Dev
Building a Developer Community from Scratch
- Three friends in Mombasa started OnlyDevs to create a tech community accessible to all, without prior experience or funding, driven by their belief in the mission.
- Despite initial lack of resources and structure, they hosted events, taught themselves community management, poured in effort, and created a welcoming environment for tech enthusiasts.
- OnlyDevs made a significant impact, helping individuals secure internships, transition to full-time developers, and find support, showcasing the value of genuine connections over material rewards.
- The founders faced challenges as people often joined communities for personal gain, leading to feelings of exploitation and moments of disillusionment when seeing their initiatives being commercialized by others.
- Building and sustaining a community took an emotional toll on the founders, as they struggled with users leaving without acknowledgment and the weight of constantly giving without receiving much in return.
- The arrival of sponsored communities with more resources and structured approaches posed a challenge, shifting the focus from personal connections to grand events, leading to a loss of intimacy in interactions.
- Ultimately, OnlyDevs quietly faded out due to founders' exhaustion and lack of external support, emphasizing the need for continuous commitment and shared responsibility in community building.
- The experience taught valuable lessons about the reality of community building, highlighting the importance of resilience, consistency, and a supportive network to sustain initiatives in the long run.
- While OnlyDevs may not have lasted, the impact it had on individuals and the lessons learned remain significant, underscoring the enduring value of genuine efforts and connections in community initiatives.
- The founders encourage active participation and support in communities, emphasizing that sustaining such spaces relies on individuals dedicated to keeping them alive even amidst challenges.
- OnlyDevs exemplifies the power of creating something genuine and impactful, even if imperfect, showcasing that real connections and intentions can leave a lasting legacy beyond the lifespan of a community.
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