Welcome Wednesday: What communities are you a part of?

[#1]

👋 Howdy Atlassian Community! It's time for another Welcome Wednesday question.

This week I'll ask: What communities are you a part of, and why?

I'll start: For me, I've been part of the Pokemon Go community for a few years. There are dedicated volunteers who host in-person meetups, but the draw for me was regulars at a bar I go to.

One day I told my bartender I was about to quit the game, then a few regulars sitting next to me overheard and said they played. And I've been playing ever since. We regularly meet for drinks, then walk around the city to catch those pesky pocket monsters.

So, I'm involved with that community because of the people. 🫂

While you're here:

• Did you know it was Pokemon Day last month?
• Did you know that Pokemon as a franchise has been around for 30 years?
• Did you know there are others on Atlassian Community who play Pokemon Go?
• Do you feel old? 🥲

📣 Comment below: If this is your first Welcome Wednesday you've participated in, also mention that in your reply! 🙌

[Dave LIAO]

I'll also mention that I was part of Indy Hall's first hackathon last week! That was fantastic fun, and inspirational. The theme was "good neighbors" and there were many civic-minded folks there.

I didn't think I was part of Indy Hall's community before, but after that Sunday, I definitely do. 💜

[Arkadiusz Wroblewski]

At the moment, only Atlassian. In the past, it was a lot more. WoW, plenty of other games, and Warhammer. But at some point in life, career, and age, especially with me getting married soon, you realize you have to manage your time much better. And this community, at least when it comes to helping others and the level of effort people put in, is really something special.

[Anne Saunders]

Aside from this one, you mean? ;)

I'm a member of the fiber arts community. I knit, sew, and make other yarn/fabric/thread creations. 

My grandmas and my mom taught me to sew and knit when I was little, and I did both publicly throughout grade school and college. I never really had a community then, though - just the ladies in my family and a friend or two here and there.

Thanks to the internet, I'm on Facebook, Ravelry, Hobbii, and other platforms that let me meet and interact with other fiber artists, share techniques, give (and get!) assistance, and learn about patterns I might not have encountered otherwise.

The extra cool thing is that a new yarn shop a couple miles from my house has a regular knitting meetup, so maybe I'll be a member of an IRL community for crafting again soon!

[Matt Doar (Adaptavist)]

Not many? This one, our church community, library volunteers, some school parents who still get together for a drink though the children have all left home, and an occasional college alum event. Well, that was more than I expected so thanks for asking :)

[Dave LIAO]

Aw, crumbs, I thought I made this as a discussion, not an article. 🥲

@Arkadiusz Wroblewski - glad you're here! Have any Warhammer characters on your desk to help with troubleshooting? 😄

@Anne Saunders - I learned about the fiber arts community through a good friend, years ago! It's very interesting to meet these folks randomly around the world, and notice how they all are intertwined in real life, and on social media. 🧶

@Matt Doar (Adaptavist) - I SHOULD do an inventory of all the communities I think I'm part of, and prioritize appropriately. Some of the communities I'm part of are low-touch and wouldn't notice if I wasn't around - unlike the Atlassian Community. 🤣

[Arkadiusz Wroblewski]

@Dave LIAO 

I’ve got a Space Marine on my desk, always ready to help with troubleshooting 😄

Bit of a shame on my side though I’ve been working with Atlassian products for years, but only recently became active in the community.

[Dave LIAO]

@Arkadiusz Wroblewski - better late than never!!!

[Daria Kulikova_GitProtect_io]

At first, I thought I was only part of this community, but then I realized it’s much more than that 😊 I’m also part of my local city community, a group of parents from my daughter’s school, her gymnastics club community, and, of course, a big community of cat and dog lovers :) 

[Barbara Szczesniak]

I also thought I'd have to say just this community, but I am also part of my neighborhood community, where I participate in a number of activities.

[Lacy Saute]

I've been part of roller skating and roller derby communities for over 15 years. I skate for fun and for competition. When I travel I bring along my skates and look for skating meetups or new spots to skate while I'm visiting. These communities are a great way for me to adventure, challenge myself physically (and mentally tbh) and of course, to make connections with people who share the same hobby! 🛼