In this article, the author discusses the life cycle of expert-led online communities. They argue that while much attention has been given to general-interest communities, specialized forums led by experts have their own unique dynamics. The author draws on their experience participating in various expert-led forums over the past 25 years to outline the stages these communities typically go through. They start with a hunger for knowledge and an inclusive atmosphere, but as the community grows, a pecking order emerges and dissenting views are marginalized. The explosive growth eventually leads to a decline in discussion quality and the development of strict rules, which often results in snide remarks and the exclusion of newcomers. As the community matures, it becomes focused on esoteric tangents and off-topic discussions. Eventually, the forum loses its relevance and is reduced to a small core group engaging in unrelated banter. The author sees this as a natural metamorphosis rather than a decline, as it opens the door for new communities to flourish.
https://lcamtuf.substack.com/p/the-evolution-of-expert-communities