We are building a HUB for our niche industry that includes a knowledge center, directories (think Angie's list), a community (think Facebook). I have access to top tech talent who are helping me build the site but could use some strategic help.
The key strategy for what you are trying to do is that:
1. You need to attract a critical mass of community members of high quality.
2. You need to be strict about moderating the community, to keep it from deteriorating into a Facebook type environment. This includes responding to "experts" on your forums who give bad advice.
If you can build a hub which attracts top-notch people in that niche, who interact and create a high level of value, even when you aren't on, then you will have success.
Also, don't focus on trying to monetize it. First, build a quality, critical mass of regular users. Then, as you discuss things, you can find demand for products/services that you can offer gently, without forcing it on them.
