Ok, another idea here. Well, I admit this idea was formed from some of the other posts from the Community Building thread, especially the one about being able to build our own town (sorry can't remember who said that).
Here goes. I don't have the specifics yet, just the general concept. What makes me want to log in is when I have a purpose/goal. I like to be able to work on that goal each time I get on and add it to my on going investment. That may be leveling my character, crafting, RP'g and furthering relationships, etc. I kinda wish there was something else I could invest in. I'm not sure what it would be, but the idea of making our own town was already given. I really have no idea what else it would be, but their are more creative minds here than mine. I think it would have to be mostly mechanical, but it would also have RP attributes for sure. For example, I'd like to be able to go harvest some Mahogany, make it into planks, and add it to the list of "things to get". It would be nice to be able to pull up a list like the "active crafters" list and see that I made a contribution and/or that the goal had been furthered. Others would be working on this too and their efforts would show as well. It could even be a situation where groups would compete...though it wouldn't have to. Maybe their could be rewards involved or something could be errected in game to show the end project (statute, house, tree, etc).
Maybe we already have this in the form of CDQ's or GCDQ's, but it would be nice if it could be open to all and less GM involved. Something where you could pop on at 4am and be the only one on the server and still put some work into it.
*steps away*