What is it about airport carpet design?

Welcome back.

You probably read the title of this week’s post and thought, “….huh?” Well, keep reading. I promise the dots connect.

Random question, first second and foremost. How do I know when to end season 2 (see subheader)? Any suggestions of when I should start season 3? There’s no real reason for me stick to any number, so I’m open to the ideas. Thanks. Anyway—

We should be talking more about niche communities and fandoms. It has always amazed me how these fandoms form, how they continue to thrive, and the shared identity people have within these super niche communities.

Let’s dive in.

This week, I posted the following on Linkedin (among the other nonsense I share on this silly platform—that I love, to be clear)

It got me thinking about these niche communities that exist out in the wild. Not to mention the fact that the culture built around The Real Housewives is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. If you’re keeping up with pop culture (and tbh, even if you’re not, I’m sure you’ve seen a reference or two to this series), you know exactly what I’m talking about. And going beyond just the shows too; these are cultural movements, if you ask me.

If you don’t know by now, I work in Community at Slack. Running product/brand communities give me deep insights into the emotional connection someone has to said product and/or brand. The sense of belonging and shared identity among Slack users is—I think we all know— a generally positive one. I’d say that even if I wasn’t at Slack. People love Slack. In my job, I get to give people a platform to express that passion for the product. What’s not to love?

Working in Community, it’s only natural that I can’t shut off my community brain. I am deeply curious about what draws people in to these niche communities, what makes them stay, and how they contribute. It’s fascinating.

Think about scrolling on TikTok for example and someone’s talking about the fact that they love the design of airport carpets. That gets me thinking; are people actually talking about airport carpet design? Is that a community on its own? Well, it is. Check out r/carpetsforairports. I heard Portland’s airport has some cool carpeting designs. (Can confirm. Saw photos. Nice lil retro design)

Here are some other hyper-niche communities I found. I love going down these rabbit holes. It also proves that I have never had an original thought, ever.

• r/treessuckingatthings

• r/animalswithoutnecks

• r/wheredidthesodago

• r/unstirredpaint

• r/dataisugly

There are soooo many.

I recently shared my POV on the Taylor Swift of it all. I don’t think I have ever seen a more engaged, widespread, dedicated, loyal community for a musical artist. Taylor is writing the playbook for community by musicians. Or perhaps all verticals and industries. Forget just musicians!

Communities and fandoms are what they are because they bring people together around shared identity and belonging. Not only that, it is connection which at times feels deeply personal and relatable. It can even get to a point of power and influence stepping in, with collective enthusiasm, frustration, creativity, whatever it is—communities can be influential enough to shift and shape culture.

These social forces are not going anywhere. If anything, they’ll continue to multiply.

What are some niche communities and fandoms you identify with?

Thanks for reading and for being here. I don’t take for granted that you care what I have to say. Or even if you don’t care, and you’re still here; thanks for being a fan anyway. ❣️

Let’s connect!