I agree that there being so many possible forms of incentives for content creation and viewing is nice, and that contests etc. can have transparent outcomes that are kept track of, as well as easily weeding out any bad players in the ecosystem and identifying those taking advantage of it readily. And it should definitely be easier for users to get on at least the hot page in an organic way, otherwise I don't see how most won't get discouraged about sharing what really interests them.
I think as more communities and niches develop it will be easier for people to gget recognition for their interests and posts. I hope to start a good history and mythology loving community going as I grow!
That's true, specialized communities can't really be formed when user numbers are this thin, it'll be refreshing to see topics like that find an audience in the future! I feel like now it's just the same five or so topics hitting the frontpage over and over again.
Yeah seems to be, the subgroups wont have a community if we dont build it though!