Advice on how to create a successful social network

I have just read a great post by Gina Bianchini on the Ning Blog which gives great advice on how to create a great social network . The advice goes along the lines of comparing creating social networks to organising great parties. And the analogy works for me. It goes something like this: 1) have a great idea and host, 2) set the mood, 3) invite the right people, 4) spend time setting up, 5) open the doors, 6) crank it up to the next level, 7) expect gate crashers, and finally, bask in the afterglow of creating something special. My experience in creating social networks ( isporty being the most recent) fits these 8 stes perfectly.