In some cases, the entire project will need to be preconceived. Be prepared to spend time up front in getting it right. You, not the web designer, needs to be in control. What works in a business environment or for other clients may well not work for you. Too many web sites have been launched with great fanfare filled with features that are rarely used.
Message boards are frequently inactive.
Topics are never filled in or have only scanty content. Clicking on the maps is futile. There is no information in the searchable online database. Ultimately people are looking for solid and comprehensive information. On a community site, people are looking for information more than entertainment.