The prototype trial run of RocketMoms is ending tomorrow, and I thought that I’d let all of you a small peek at the RocketMoms project from the inside looking out because the first group only had about 60 lensmasters, which meant that the majority of lensmasters did not get to experience it.
RocketMoms is a project that is being run by Giant Squid Organizer bdkz. It is a 6 week group lensmaking project that is geared toward creating a small group tutorial and supportive atmosphere for a group of like minded lensmasters. This initial group was very small, and was created with a mix of experienced lensmasters, and brand new lensmasters, and many in-between. It was a group of diverse women that had one thing in common, that of being a mom.
I was excited when I saw the first post about this in one of the Squidoo blogs, and asked right away to be part of it. I think the concept of small group development of like minded lensmasters is a terrific way to develop the whole of Squidoo. It would give the lensmasters involved some individual attention and familiarity with the site and some of the people on the site, and would also push non members of the project by seeing the terrific stuff the group was capable of.
As usual, bdkz created an extremely organized and ambitious program for those involved. We were to create a minimum of six lenses, each on a different general topic. Some of the topics were more of a stylistic choice, and we had some alternate choices as well. Most members found that they ended up being extremely productive and creating many more than required.
At the start of the project, we all met on Ning, and bdkz gave us a message each day. At that time, none of knew that there was a template coming, just that we were a group and Bonnie (bdkz) was our leader. Bonnie took us through the basic lens creation steps, making sure that everyone was familiar with the different modules, and structure of Squidoo. The topics to write on were general enough that everyone was able to fit them to the niche that they wanted to comfortably.
Personally, I don’t think that anyone could possibly say enough about Bonnie’s leadership. She is quite frankly, a dynamo, and an encouraging leader. Being amongst just a group of women was fun, because women tend to see things differently than men. I loved the small group atmosphere and got to meet some lensmasters that I didn’t know. Great questions were raised, and help given by women from all corners of the group.
I think that anyone that takes a moment to just glance at the list of lenses that has been developed from this six week period cannot deny that they are just terrific. And each lensmaster involved has now developed a relationship with a few other lensmasters in an intimate setting. The shared experience is one that creates bonds even in an online situation.
I know that there was a fuss that was created in the SquidU forum due to the exclusivity of the group’s first run. But I have to say that it was the smallness and unique demographic of the group that made it work so well. I highly encourage other well organized lensmasters to create similar small group settings for lens creation. But I would like to say that what made this group unique was not the choice of members per say, but the fact that it was not just a networking experience, but a PROJECT. We all had to do something to participate. And if the pace is too quick for someone, they can just graduate with the next group, and still get the terrific ideas and support from the other RocketMoms.
The project would have been just as successful without the new template. It is very pretty, and I love the graphics created by Susan Villas Lewis, but it was the group itself that was special, and the space created that was a great place to be a mom and a lensmaster. If you fit the criteria, you are a mom, stepmom, grandmom, or any other type of mom, I encourage you to give it a try. There are still some referrals open for the next group or one in the future. If you do not, then start another group of your own, because it can only be great for all of us as we grow Squidoo as a whole, and create more and better lenses for the site.
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As a non-mom I watched from the sidelines – and boy was I impressed with your creative output. I agree with your assessment that such intimate projects strengthen the overall sense of community. Thanks for this success report, Paula.
I can only echo what Paula has said. I was proud to be part of the first RocketMoms cohort. However, I saw RocketMoms as a test drive – or should I say launch
– for more smaller, focussed networking groups and I am sure that there will be enough starting up for everyone who would like to get involved to find one that fits their needs and circumstances.
Squidoo is expanding fast, it is huge, and because of this new Lensmasters could become totally overwhelmed as they try to participate in all the networking that is available to them. The danger is that they will spread themselves too thin, say yes to too many things and then find they cannot cope with keeping up with it all.
My prediction is that RocketMoms is just the first of many new focus groups that will work independently and in harmony with everything that Squidoo has to offer, which includes lots of other “like-minded” groups.
All these Groups need is someone with organisation skills and enthusiasm and although Bonnie is very much a motivator who has all these qualities, she would be the first to say she is not the only person on Squidoo who could do this.
Tribes. I’ll say it again. Tribes.
The efforts of RocketMoms cannot be over stated. I am in awe of the demonstration of community and excellence.
I bought a case of three lens glasses (third lens is fully retractable) that come with a handsome, green carrying pouch. I’m waiting for the right tribe to start.