Altruism Is For Other People

As a founder and member of multiple online communities, I’ve seen the altruistic effects of community in action. To an outsider, it might be baffling to hear that people are willing to voluntarily help another person with a problem or a question.

In essence, it might not be so baffling at all. People have knowledge. People have good intentions. People have an ego. Whereas there might not be any financial remuneration, people enjoy the attention they get as an “expert”, they enjoy the appreciation and status that it brings within a community.

The receivers of help will (sometimes) feel inclined to give back as well. As a result of those exchanges, a community flourishes and grows.

Don’t be afraid. Share your knowledge to your advantage. And leverage the kindness of strangers to your advantage.