Social Community Does the Work for You
A while ago websites created their own content, much like a magazine would create their own content. The only user, or community, generated content came from letters sent to the editor and usually occupied a page or two of the magazine. Websites began with content created by the website editors. Fast forward to present day and instead of only 1 or 2% of the content coming from the audience it is in some cases 100% or close to it. Take a look at Squidoo, the majority of the content is from the audience or community. Provide them with the best tools and ability to openly communicate with you and others in the community and your site / service will thrive.

Create the Right Environment and Your Community Will Thrive
In the past, since the days of Bulletin Board Systems, forums were the typical community interaction. Usually a thread between users on various topics. These days communities are allowing users to register with their site, create a profile, and integrate discussions into the sites. Providing easy communication among members can often assist with spurring creativity from the community. Here is a great example of a site OutSpark that has done that and more. OutSpark provides MMORPG games.

OutSpark Community
Not only can players interact within the games that OutSpark provides but also on the site outside of the game. Each game has it’s own community area and encourages interaction, you can join as a user and begin communicating with others. Here is a thread where a community member created a magazine about the game Fiesta.

Success from OutSpark
Obviously OutSpark has been successful in marketing to their audience and providing the right environment for their community members to thrive as evidenced by the magazine created for members by members.

* disclaimer – through POA LLC we work with OutSpark