Ever wondered how to build a thriving tech community from scratch? Let me share my story—it’s not a fancy startup tale, just one about curiosity, consistency, and a whole lot of love for technology.
Let’s rewind to 2018. I was just like you—eager to learn, share, and connect. Back then, I was obsessed with Docker. I wrote blogs about its features almost every week, breaking down complex updates into simple, digestible chunks. And, of course, I shared them on LinkedIn and Twitter.
People noticed. Questions poured in:
“How does this new Docker feature work?“
“Can you help with this issue?”
But here’s the thing—I was drowning in DMs. Facebook, LinkedIn, IRCs, forums… you name it, people were reaching out. It was overwhelming. I remember using Pastebin just to share answers! That’s when I thought, “What if I created a space where everyone could discuss, ask, and share together?”
Step 1: The Slack Channel
I leaped and created a Slack channel. It wasn’t groundbreaking—just a simple space where people could chat in real-time. Every time someone asked me a question, I’d say:
“Hey, why not join our Slack channel?”
Before I knew it, the channel started buzzing with activity. DevOps folks joined in, shared their queries, and stayed to help others. It became a community—a place where everyone was welcome.
Step 2: Meetups – From Online to Real Life
Let me tell you about March 31, 2018. That’s when Docker celebrated its 5th Birthday, and I organized my first official Docker Meetup. I was nervous but excited. The energy in the room was electric—people from all walks of tech life came together to learn and share.
From then on, I was hooked. Organizing Meetups became my jam. Each event was a labour of love:
- Finding a venue? Check.
- Planning the agenda? Done.
- Coordinating speakers and sponsors? All set.
These events weren’t lavish; we didn’t pay for venues or food. Hosting companies often stepped in to cover costs. But what mattered was the community spirit. People showed up, eager to connect and learn.
Step 3: Challenges (And How We Pushed Through)
Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing.
In 2019, Docker faced a rough patch. The company enterprise business was acquired by Mirantis, and people started saying Docker is “dead.” It was tough to hear, especially for someone like me who believed deeply in technology.
But here’s what I learned:
- If you believe in something, you don’t quit.
- Passion drives progress, even when things look bleak.
Then came COVID-19. Meetups? Cancelled. Events? Shut down. But we adapted. We discovered OSCONF, our flagship virtual conference became our lifeline, and the Slack channel grew more active than ever.
Today: 15K Strong and Counting
Fast forward to now: our Collabnix community has over 15,000 members. We host more than 20 events every year, both online and offline. What started as a small Slack channel has turned into a global movement.
5 Tips for Building Your Own Tech Community
Want to start your community? Here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Love the tech you’re sharing
Your excitement is contagious. If you’re passionate, others will follow. -
Stay humble and inclusive
Encourage others to step up. A community isn’t about one person—it’s about everyone. -
Be consistent
Growth takes time. Show up regularly, and your efforts will payoff. -
Focus on value, not hype
Don’t sell. Share. Inspire. Help others see the impact of what you’re building. -
Let it evolve naturally
Communities grow best when they feel organic, not forced.
Your Turn
If you’ve been dreaming of starting a tech community, don’t wait. Start small—a Slack channel, a Discord group, or even a Twitter thread. Share your knowledge, connect with others, and watch as your idea blossoms into something incredible.
Remember, every big community starts with one step. You’ve got this! 😊
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