Nextdoor, the neighborhood-centric social media app that became public in November last year, has certainly made its mark in the world of online communities. Beyond the typical posts about fireworks complaints and neighbors keeping a suspicious eye on each other, lies a treasure trove of bizarre and amusing content that paints a vivid picture of life in local neighborhoods. One individual who has expertly curated and shared this delightful collection is Jenn Takahashi, the creator behind the captivating Twitter account @BestofNextdoor. In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Takahashi shared her motivations behind the account and the fascinating stories she has discovered. Let’s delve into the depths of Nextdoor’s peculiar universe and see what it has to offer.
Key Takeaways
The Genesis of BestofNextdoor
Takahashi’s journey with Nextdoor began several years ago when she joined the app while residing in Glen Park, a tranquil neighborhood that exudes a suburban atmosphere in bustling San Francisco. It was on a seemingly ordinary day that her life took an unexpected turn. An intriguing notification from her Nextdoor app revealed a deliciously entertaining post from a neighbor, accusing Takahashi of rearranging her lawn gnomes under the cover of darkness. This accusation, signed by every member of the gnome family, became a daily spectacle, captivating Takahashi’s attention. However, as she eventually moved to a different neighborhood, the drama on Nextdoor took on a new level of “realness.” Craving the levity that her personal Nextdoor experience had once provided, Takahashi’s family and friends began sharing lighthearted posts from their own communities. In an effort to centralize these gems, she created the Twitter account @bestofnextdoor in late 2017. Little did she know that this venture would skyrocket in popularity.
Unveiling the Quirks
With countless submissions pouring in every month, there is never a dull moment for Takahashi and her team at BestofNextdoor. Among the recurring themes that continually astound her is the unexpected use of Nextdoor as a dating app. A series of tweets under the hashtag “THIS IS NOT A DATING SITE” showcases just how frequently this peculiar phenomenon occurs within the community. Another recurring favorite among Nextdoor users is their fascination with polls. Even when these polls make no logical sense, people are eager to vote on them. Takahashi has ingeniously transformed these nonsensical polls into a delightful segment labeled #polloftheday. The journey begins with a Nextdoor screenshot, followed by an actual Twitter poll for the wider community to participate in. For instance, ponder this question: “What should cost less: a gallon of gas or a gallon of milk?” These amusing encounters are undoubtedly the icing on the cake for BestofNextdoor.
The Nextdoor Experience
What sets Nextdoor apart, according to Takahashi, is the fact that these interactions occur between individuals who live in close proximity to one another. Unlike Twitter or Facebook, where arguments and disagreements often happen with anonymous strangers, Nextdoor thrusts its users into explosive disputes with their real-life neighbors. The consequences of such disputes are profound, as they have to face these individuals daily, living side by side. It’s a whole new level of social dynamics that keeps the drama alive within the Nextdoor universe.
The Intricate Balance
BestofNextdoor has amassed a devoted following, but Takahashi remains fiercely protective of the account and the vibrant community it has fostered. Although she has received partnership offers, she is extremely selective, ensuring that any collaborations perfectly align with the account’s ethos. One such partnership with Netflix, promoting the film “The Woman in the Window,” resonated with the audience as it mirrored the eccentricity found within Nextdoor. The community’s enjoyment takes precedence over monetary gain for Takahashi, making the journey worth every penny lost.
Embracing Levity
Unfortunately, amidst the lightheartedness, Nextdoor is not immune to darker elements such as racism. While Takahashi acknowledges the existence of such posts, she has chosen not to amplify the negativity. Her goal is to remain true to the original spirit of why she started BestofNextdoor – to inject levity and joy into people’s lives, just as Nextdoor once did for her.
As we peel back the layers of Nextdoor, a community-driven app, we are exposed to a world where lawn gnome rearrangements, cannon-firing celebrations, and peculiar polls occupy center stage. The intricacies of human relationships, now amplified by digital connections, create a unique stage where drama unfolds. BestofNextdoor, with its carefully curated content, invites us to embrace the quirks, forge connections with our neighbors, and learn not to sweat the small stuff. So, let’s dive into the whimsical realm of Nextdoor, where hilarity and neighborly camaraderie intertwine in a way that only a neighborhood-based social media app can offer.
Video: The Best of Nextdoor | Jenn Takahashi
Note: This article is a revision based on the original source: AP News.
