Forming a Community and the Wine Party Problem

Anyone trying to organize a block party faces this problem,  as do those trying to initiate an online community (for their “2.0″ employees or colleges in their industry).  The problem is getting participation.  In the Enterprise 2.0 parlance, it’s called Adoption — sometimes penetration, usage, heads, or some other term that conveys a notion of participation.  Some software vendors focus on the numbers — since some of them charge per usage.  But most of them, and certainly their customer realize that this is more than just numbers.  It’s about real commitment to a shared goal.  And it requires changing behavior and overcoming inertia, or laziness.  There’s nothing more frustrating than responding to the need to create a community, and then wondering why no one participates.  And this happens quite often.

A few weeks ago I posted a story I remembered from my childhood — from the stories of “The Wise Men of Chelm”.  These charming stories make fun of the fools who inhabit this town — in order to teach life lessons.  So for my readers who might live in a town named Chelm — forgive the insensitivity — these are just fables.

One of them goes like this:

The townspeople decided it was time for a party for everyone in town — a great festival of music, food, and games.  After-all, the council of Wise Men noted that people were growing distant from their neighbors and a good party would help restore a sense of community.  As it turns out there was a problem brewing in the town recently.  Some people chanced upon financial success and were no longer associating with their old middle-class friends.  Whereas other people fell upon hard times, and they felt very disenfranchised from the rest of the community.

“A party will be a great way to bring us all together and remind ourselves that we are first and foremost Chelmites — regardless of our individual wealth and social status.” said Jacob — a middle class tailor.  Abraham, who recently became very wealthy suggested that the centerpiece of the event should be wine bar where people could sample the finest of Chelm’s wine.  ”After all, you can’t have a party without fine wine!”.  Mendel protested “Where will we get the wine for the party? We don’t have the budget for this.”  Abraham responded — “Let’s ask everyone to bring one bottle of wine.  Surely everyone can afford one bottle.”

Mendel thought for a moment.  The idea made sense, but there was still a problem with it.  ”Abraham, you know that the rich people will bring their finest wine to the party, but the poor people will only be able to afford to bring cheap wine.  The whole point of the party is to bring people together as a  community. But the poor people will feel embarrassed bringing their cheap wine. I’m afraid this wine idea will backfire and ruin the party.”

Jacob spoke up with a wise idea.  ”Let’s construct a large vat and tell everyone to bring their wine on the evening before the party and pour it into the vat.  This way no one will be embarrassed by the quality of their wine, and we’ll all enjoy the wine together.”  And all the Wise Men agreed.

On the evening before the party, there was a line of people near the vat.  One by one they climbed the ladder and poured their wine into the vat — feeling proud that they everyone could participate as equals.

Before Mendel left his house to bring his share to the party, a strange thought occurred to him.  He was the poorest member of the council of Wise Men, and one of the poorest people in town.  People had pity on him, and even gave him food when he had none.  It would be foolish of him to donate any wine, even the cheapest wine was beyond his means.  Moreover, since he was a recipient of charity — this was not even his wine to give.  With such a large vat, and some much wine in it — no one would notice if he poured water into the vat, and the wine would taste no different.  So he filled his bottle with water and headed to the town center.  He was thankful that it was dark and when he poured his water in the vat, as he knew that the rest of the men in line only heard the splashing sound of his minor dilution.

The next day came sooner than anyone expected.  The whole town gathered by at the center of town, all waiting with empty classes in hand for some wine so they could start the party.  Abraham, the wealthiest of the Wise Men was given the honor of pouring the first cup.  Mendel chuckled to himself, with a bit of pride and only a tinge of guilt.

Abraham turned the spigot…

Well, you are all adults, you know the rest of the story, don’t you?  Mendel wasn’t the only wise man in Chelm.  The town was full of people who came up with reasons their bottle should be filled with water too.  And indeed the vat was filled with 100%, pure water.

And such is the start of many communities.  People will join, only to lurk or to take benefit from, but not to give.  Why do they expect wine from the vat if all they give is water?  Illogical.

So what’s the lesson?  Social pressure is not enough, people find clever ways to remain in the grace of others while actually not doing their part.  Perhaps the lesson was only understood during the conversations that took place after the water started to pour.

What would you say to your neighbors if you were at that party?  Share your answers below.  Your answers will piece together the solution that we all could use — so no water please.  Share your wine below.  I know you can.