If you want to build a community, you can get the social software and set up chat rooms and forums to create an environment where people will want to return, and keep a conversation or networking opportunity, or friendship going.  This is a great way to communicate with others that share your interests, and it can be used to network or create  a forum that becomes  a learning tool, and many other uses.  This link can give you the fundamentals for starting a community: webdesign.about.com/cs/communityonline/a/aa082599.htm – 2.  You can add articles, a newsletter and all kinds of updated information to keep your members coming back.