Originally posted by SkepticOverlord
It's actually a very simple formula.
1) Create an environment that encourages interesting discussion
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2) Make sure it is managed so that the discussion is easy to find
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3) Put it all on a server that can handle high traffic
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4) Let the members do the rest
You forgot number 5: Be one of the few forum sites/groups out there (if not the only one !) where divergence of opinion is welcomed, and even
applauded.
Have you any idea how unique ATS/BTS is in this respect, SO ? The majority of forums out there will ban without a moments hesitation when somebody
posts an extremely passionate point of view on a topic, especially if that opinion differs from the rest of the herd.
The more users you get, the more posts you get. The more posts you get, the more different topics you get
linking to ATS. The more linking you have to ATS, the more users you have. Repeat ad infinitum 
