communityover

Communityover is a term used to describe a principle or framework that places the health, participation, and long-term welfare of a community above individual or narrow private interests. It is applied in online communities, open-source projects, cooperative ventures, and civic initiatives to guide governance, collaboration, and policy.

Core tenets include participatory governance, where members have equal voice; shared or rotating leadership; transparent decision-making; inclusive culture that lowers barriers to participation; and sustainable practices that protect resources and norms over short-term gains.

Practices often involve consensus or deliberative processes, clear conflict-resolution mechanisms, documentation of decisions, and onboarding that reduces gatekeeping. Metrics may emphasize participation rates, contribution quality, health of discourse, and retention rather than solely growth or profit.

Common domains include software projects with open governance, community-run platforms, neighborhood associations, and employee-owned cooperatives. The approach can complement user-centered design, emphasizing safety, trust, and accountability.

Critics argue that excessive emphasis on consensus can slow progress or create ambiguity about accountability. Critics also warn of mission drift if community preferences diverge from stated goals. Proponents contend that careful design and governance can mitigate these risks.