I had a very thought provoking conversation with Nate Ritter on Open Source, Mashups and unconferences. I also met with Kaliya about Open ID and her facilitation of some really great un-conferences.

Here are some thoughts I gathered from our conversation:

1. Communities have helped several 20-something developers gain valuable experience BEFORE they get their first job. Contributing to open source communities helps these younger folks gain that knowledge on how to participate with a team, teaches them “politics” in the workplace and how to deliver an on time project.

2. IBM David Churbuck mentioned that they identified their top community 1% by reviewing who blogged, who moderated some of their independent groups, etc. He said he HIRED a new employee from that group of independent “free” moderators. This is great motivation of participants and user moderators in communities.

3. Lynne of Chicago Tribune mentioned that their users felt a greater sense of connection with key executives to help SHAPE the future of the reporting at the newspaper. Who else can talk about MAKING a CHANGE or a DIFFERENCE in a large scale? This is an opportunity for several individuals to contribute and make a difference.

These are the things you can position to the community members as the VALUE of participation besides connecting with one another.