Community Manager Live©

Community Manager Live is currently on hiatus. If you enjoy authentic, reflective discussions about community building, please check out the blog below for insights and practical tips on community management.

 

assorted-labeled book lot on white wooden shelf

Ultimate Bookshelf for Community Professionals

Updated: Nov. 5, 2025 Community management is both an art and a science, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, empathy, and practical tools. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, the right books can be your greatest allies. Here’s a…

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business, corona, nature

Strategies to Boost Engagement and Activity

Reinvigorating Your Online Community When an online community begins to show signs of slowing down, it can be a concerning moment for community managers and members alike. A vibrant community is the lifeblood of engagement, providing a space for members to share,…

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brown wooden blocks with number 6

You Can’t Fake Authenticity.

Building trust requires genuine listening and vulnerability. We live in a world that often feels inauthentic. From filtered photos on social media to careers built on exaggeration, fakery abounds. In a sea of phoniness, people yearn for something real. That’s…

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Meet David DeWald

David DeWald is a pioneering online community professional with over 25 years of experience building, managing, and evolving digital communities of all sizes—some reaching millions of members. Since the late 1990s, he has partnered with diverse organizations and businesses to establish impactful online presences that foster engagement and growth. David is widely respected among his peers for his deep expertise in community strategy, engagement, moderation, and advocacy development. Beyond managing communities, he actively contributes to the industry through thought leadership, including public speaking, and blogging, sharing actionable insights to elevate the practice of community management globally.

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David DeWald

Community Professional at Ciena