Design to Thrive's chapter on renumeration laid out a series of steps for an online community to create an experience that will encourage users to keep coming back. I really enjoyed reading about the different ways to accomplish renumeration on a site, because at first introduction to the meaning of the term, it did, as Howard notes, seem a little like common sense. I thought all one had to do was think of  a create way for members to feel included or rewarded in some way for their time spent. However, all of the ways (12) in which Howard suggests that renumeration should be carried out, makes it more clear as to why so few sites succeed with regards to this goal. His "checklist of techniques" is as follows: 

1. make the text editor fun with emoticons

2. use a subscription application form

3. mentors teach

4. seed the discussion

5. use stars to show membership contribution levels

6. rank the value of members' messages

7. remove the fear factor by provided examples of how to participate

8. create a safe environment by sending out "tickle" messages

9. create a regular event

10. don't automatically archive

11. discourage attempts to send conversations to other blogs, websites, or discussion groups

12. ban redistribution servers and cross-postings

Of these, I was most surprised by the suggestion to make the text editor fun. It makes sense along with Howard's example of the BGCA community, but out of context, it was hard for me to imagine that the inclusion of emoticons would make that big of a difference in encouraging member involvement. The technique that seems most obvious to me, on the other hand, was number nine — create a regular event. It makes sense that in order for users to feel the experience on a site is worthwhile, they should have a regulated activity on the site, or consistent reason, or event, for returning there.