Drawing from my experiences with <a href="http://therapidian.org/" rel="nofollow">The Rapidian</a>, I look at cultivating online engagement with the end goal of converting it into real world interaction. I see online cultivation as touches here and there, what ties people over till they can get together in less inhibited, social situations to connect over a topic. It's also an opportunity to encourage personal investment in the concept of local (i.e.: <a href="http://gapersblock.com/" rel="nofollow">Gapers Block</a> is an online publication and sponsors a local cycling team). Some of the other BxBers have organized socials, annual birthday parties for their outlet, etc.

Lately in my research, I've observed the pattern that people seem to be attracted to things that affirm their interests (note: this is different from affirmation for what they know) or things that inspire creativity. With the latter point, I would think that there's an opportunity to convert online engagement with content into expression.