User blog comment:Cristina7/Introducing Discussions, a New Platform For Engaging Your Community/@comment-27395978-20160908181308/@comment-5275700-20160908191002

As ChristopherLeeGallant said, the admins and editors can be the ones who set the bar for conversation quality. The "sub-community" formation is not something that will always happen, nor is it inherently positive or negative. It's also something you can see on Wikia communities now -- some users focus solely on editing and don't participate in any type of conversations, while others come for the social interaction primarily. Most are in between on that spectrum.

Discussions makes it more appealing for casual readers and users to return more often and is one way to grow your community and reach new fans who are looking for the whole fan experience -- both information and camaraderie.