Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero- A Village Debate

I get asked a lot about my work here at Atlanta Tech Village. As a Community Manager of a 103,000 square foot building that houses well over 200 tech startups and 750+ people, it is a constantly changing, fast paced, high energy role. Culture truly is king in the startup world and the Village team works hard to curate a community that fits our values (Be Nice. Dream Big. Work Hard, Play Hard. Pay it Forward.) and create an environment that lives up to them. It's not an easy task within the changing landscape of tech startups, but I think we have been able to create something special. The proof is in the amazing companies and people we have within our walls.Some days we are working with the Mayor's office, getting calls from reporters for the latest scoop, hosting investors from Silicon Valley, scheduling pitches, workshops, events, and doing everything we can to curate new resources and support for our growing companies. But in the life of a Community Manager in the startup world, not only do you make potentially life changing introductions, you also have to solve really important problems such as the debate between Diet Coke and Coke Zero.Yes. You read that right. Here is a little peek into the inner politics of Atlanta Tech Village and the world of free sodas. Which, in this world, apparently all things are decidedly not equal. We currently have an ongoing, raging debate of Diet Coke vs Coke Zero in the Village community. Now, I would like the record to show that I actually don't drink soda, thus I do not have a personal preference- as long as the soda is a Coke product (I am from Atlanta, after all).You think I am kidding? Seriously, it's a hot topic. Amidst all the crazy hours and hard work of the entrepreneurs in our building, what fuels them is important. Important enough that just today I have had 9 emails and 3 visits to my office pitching me on which is best. Hey, pitching anything is always good practice, right? Now because our community is awesome, these emails and visits are not complaining- but clever, witty, and persuasive. Some make me laugh out loud, others present strong consumer data to support their position. And yes, bribes are offered. Never accepted, of course...So while we do make connections that could impact startups, we also work through the day to day must haves in startup world. Lately- Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero. Here are my options- Tough love: Just choose one, and tell them it's how it is; Democratic: take a Village poll and majority wins (God help us, if it is 50/50); Wildcard: constantly change it up to mess with their minds. All in good fun of course. (And no, we don't want to have both Coke Zero and Diet Coke).So here is your chance, I am all ears as a good Community Manager should be. Place your vote here.Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero? And know that yes, in the startup world, the details are important.