Well intentioned Online Communities of Practice often fail because

1.      They are created with good intentions but vague intent.

2.     They are created without any idea of learning theory or how people learn in a socialized context

3.     Participants are not provided with induction to this online worksite

4.     Roles are vague, variable or simply not visible

5.     Technical friction results in critical masses not engaged

From eConstruction Glue- available soon.