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For nearly 10 years, Ridgeon Network has worked on a website called Planet Lara which built one of the biggest online communities for the Tomb Raider franchise. With the Tomb Raider and Lara Croft names being so big, years of work went into building up the website to make it one of the largest and most popular supporting fan sites on the internet.
Working closely with Eidos (publisher) and Core Design (developer) gave us a real insight into the value and extensiveness of online communities that support franchises such as Lara Croft and Tomb Raider. As the brand (and in-turn the community) got larger and larger it became very apparent that a community manager was required to handle a variety of jobs to support the online communities. Since moving from the Tomb Raider franchise we saw an opportunity to offer a 'Virtual Community Manager' service to other publishers who wish to expand and manage their online communities.
of the Virtual Community Manager service
Solely responsible for the distribution of media, promotion and management of the online communities that support your brands.
Your Virtual Community Manager will work directly with your company's PR and brand teams to release appropriate media to online communities as well as relaying back comments directly from the community webmasters.
of a Virtual Community Manager
- A single point of call for all enquiries from the community.
- Someone solely responsible for promoting your brands in communities online.
- Community development leads to increased brand awareness.
- No need for a permanent member of staff to support your online communities.
- VCM can work as part of your organisation with their own email account etc, if you wish.
of a Virtual Community Manager
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Distribution of media and assets. |
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Mailing community website members with periodic updates. |
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Hosting of assets (if required). |
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Recruitment of new websites. |
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Handling disputes between communities. |
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Forum for webmasters to discuss issues and ask questions. |
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Embargo monitoring and enforcement. |
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Liaise directly with brand managers for brand protection. |
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Central point of call for all community webmasters. |
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Community forum monitoring and contribution. |
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Organising of community competitions and events. |
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Establishing links between press and community fansites. |
with Virtual Community Manager
For online communities around the world, the most effective method for webmasters to contact the community manager is by email. However, your VCM will be available by phone, post and instant messenger clients to liaise with your company and the community's webmasters.
- 15 hours allocated time working with the communities per month.
- 10GB FTP server package for hosting and distributing assets and media.
- Email, phone and post contact with your VCM.
- Online forum setup for community webmaster discussion.
Equivalent to £5,400 annually
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- 30 hours allocated time working with the communities per month.
- 25GB FTP server package for hosting and distributing assets and media.
- Email, phone, post & Instant Messenger contact with your VCM.
- Online forum setup for community webmaster discussion.
Equivalent to £9,720 annually |
- 50 hours allocated time working with the communities per month.
- 40GB FTP server package for hosting and distributing assets and media.
- Email, phone, post & Instant Messenger contact with your VCM.
- Online forum setup for community webmaster discussion.
Equivalent to £15,000 annually |
If you would like to start using our Virtual Community Manager service please get in touch.
Do you have special requirements that are not covered in the above packages? contact us and we'll tailor a service just for you.
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Background
Tel: +44(0)2476 382031 E: info@ridgeon-network.co.uk