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…
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.

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,…
Crafting a Compass: Developing an Effective Code of Conduct for Thriving Online Communities
Online communities have become vibrant spaces for sharing ideas, fostering friendships, and building professional networks. However, as these virtual gathering places grow, so does the complexity of interactions among their members. This complexity can sometimes lead…
Cultivating the Art of Hosting Good Conversations Online
The hum of a lively party fills the air, where every guest feels seen, heard, and valued. This is the essence of a great gathering, and it’s not confined to the physical world. In the digital realm, the art of hosting is just as crucial, if not more so, where…
Understanding Client Goals: Key to Successful Data Analysis
In the world of data analysis, understanding client goals is crucial. By asking the right questions and engaging stakeholders, analysts can narrow down the scope of analysis and make better decisions. But data analysis is not a one-size-fits-all process –…
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…
Your Host
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.







