A web conference "adds value by generating discussion among a diverse student group" (Skinner, 2004a, p. 12). Or does it? A significant concern is the extent to which learners construct knowledge and develop a learning community through online discussion. Critics argue that genuine knowledge construction is difficult to achieve. This study examines two potentially innovative discussion ideas and finds that a lack of trust damages the sense of community and activities will fail for some students if knowledge construction is left to chance. Risks can be reduced by careful design where the specific characteristics of community and knowledge construction are deliberately planned. (Contains 3 tables.)