I found a 12 point list about online community that I thought might be worth commenting on. Mostly as an exercise for myself. I'm at that stage in my thinking that I need to turn some of it outwards to the world. Engage in how professionals already approach the industry. And find my place in it...

"1. Purpose Community performs a necessary and useful function for members." http://www.customer-community.com/studies.html

What makes interaction useful takes time and iteration to develop. Because the medium is so thin, the challenge in many communities is to expose new members to interactions that create that hook, the moment of “aha.” A direct one to one interaction is usually what does it, for that’s the kind the contains the highest quotient of curiosity as well as potential connection.