But that function was followed closely by the ability to create interest groups that branch off from the larger Web community. In creating an online community, it is necessary to consider the different types of users who will be accessing it. Some users are strictly looking for information. They have no particular problem that needs to be solved and probably won't participate much. Others are interested problem solvers who can offer help based on past experiences.
Some users are team builders, who assume a leadership role and work toward building the community.
Still others simply enjoy contributing to a discussion. Your task is to build a hierarchy of participants to direct the activities of the community and encourage participation. The goal is a self-supporting fellowship along the lines of the Usenet newsgroups, some of which have existed for years with no formal oversight beyond the vigilance of individual members. Some businesses are fortunate enough to offer goods and services that inspire similar levels of passion, but most will have to do a little work to make their online community a compelling place to visit. An interactive forum where users can download text or binary files could prove a powerful attraction.