Community Building Trinity

Dan Porter, founder of Draw Something and Overtime, shares insights on building strong community and cult-like brands through specific symbols, languages and shared experiences.

Core Philosophy of Community Building

• Communities need ways to interact and share what makes them special
• People want to feel part of something bigger than themselves
• The goal is to create "if you know, you know" moments
• Focus on giving community ways to connect, not just consume content

Key Elements for Building Community

Symbols & Visual Identity

• Created the "O" hand signal for Overtime community
• Made shirts with the "O" logo as permanent content watermark
• Initially refused to sell merchandise to create exclusivity and demand
• Used visual elements that could spread organically through social media

Shared Language

• Developed specific ways for community members to greet each other
• Example: Philadelphia Eagles fans saying "Go Birds" to recognize each other
• Created simple catchphrases that anyone could understand and use
• Focused on removing complexity from messaging (e.g., removed sports stats/details)

Rituals & Experiences

• Studied successful communities like:
  • Soccer clubs (singing together at games)
  • Religious groups (shared gatherings)
  • Music fandoms (concert experiences)
  • Grateful Dead (allowing recording/sharing of music)
• Created streaks and collaborative achievements instead of competition
• Emphasized responding to community DMs to build connection
• Built experiences that made people feel special/included

Implementation Strategy

• Start simple - don't overcomplicate community elements
• Study what works in other successful communities
• Focus on emotional connection over technical features
• Give people ways to identify other community members
• Create opportunities for shared experiences
• Maintain authenticity in community interaction
• Let community help spread and evolve the culture

Key Principles

• Community > Content
• Simplicity > Complexity
• Emotional Connection > Technical Features
• Organic Growth > Forced Growth
• Shared Experience > Individual Experience
• Authenticity > Perfection

The goal is to create something people can genuinely connect with and make their own, rather than just pushing content at them.