A Culture of Intimacy: a thesis for building enduring web3 commu…

Fractal experimentation. Run experiments with small groups of people to beta-test processes. Gather feedback and iterate.

intimacy is expressed as strong inter-member empathy and the elusive condition of trust.

As we’re collectively discovering the edges of this novel technology, it’s critical that we trust our fellow members to experiment and fail well.

slow growth gives you time to build strong relationships with members, which is essential for developing a close-knit community.

As in any relationship, individuals and communities need to invest actively in developing a culture of intimacy.

community, like any relationship, is an aggregate of multiple narratives. Intimacy in turn can be described as the work of finding alignment across these multiple narratives.  Measured, thoughtful growth creates the spaciousness to cultivate intimacy, and determines which community narratives will persist over time.

high-velocity member growth in early stage communities can hinder people’s ability to make meaningful contributions and build connection.

When we focus on cultivating intimacy through measured growth, we’re able to meaningfully vet — or curate — new members, ensuring community compatibility. If facilitated with intention, early member curation maintains the quality of the community’s intimacy, preventing trolls and other destructive members from causing community harm, or at the very

Alignment is best facilitated with small groups of people. With each person added to a community, the alignment naturally shifts.