Community managers are the guiding forces in online communities.

On any given day they're welcoming newcomers, providing ongoing support and encouragement, and stoking new (and existing) discussions; they're connecting members to each other, putting out fires on the fly, and providing critical insight back to the organizations (and brands) that host the community. And when they do good work, community managers (CMs) can make the difference between a community that flounders and a community that thrives.

Over the next two-plus weeks, as part of a series we're calling Managing Communities 2009, I'll be profiling several online community professionals, most of them working directly as CMs. The entries will cover the wide range of day-to-day responsibilities that a community manager shoulders, as well as the key skills needed to succeed in that role. (I'll add a link to each profile as I publish it; see below.)

While I already have several profiles lined up and ready to be published, I'm certainly open to receiving additional contributions. Drop me a line at bperson - AT - LiveWorld - DOT - com if you're interested. Profiles

• Erin Bury, community manager, RedWire
• Connie Bensen, community strategist, Techrigy