I think the biggest appeal to this is that anybody can join. Is it really that hard to subscribe? No, of course not. If you don't want to subscribe to get the information then you aren't really interested in the content provided, right? And if you are, then you can subscribe (unsubscribing is just as easy).

It's about being a part of something, and that something is open to anyone who is interested.

The RSS wall approach from Creative Something is one approach to stimulating community. I don't begrudge the author for wanting deeper interaction with his audience. I would, however, offer that causing someone to pause and re-direct action interferes with the assimilation of the information. I'm a proponent of open source information because I know that we live in an era of unprecedented information opportunity. If a person somehow stumbles upon a piece I've written through a link or recommendation, I'm aware that their time is precious. I don't want to create a negative impression (which is what you do when being forced to work hard to get an expected result). As a creator of creative works, I'm sensitive to “moments.” You've found a piece that you want to read right now. If you are unable to access it due to a wall you become aware of the process instead of the content. Imagine turning on the radio and hearing a new song that starts to build to an engaging crescendo then the announcer comes on and informs you that you have push a button to hear the rest of the song. The moment is blown, gone.

I am an avid RSS reader and subscribe to over 340 feeds. I peruse (read intently) the majority of the articles and evangelize the stories I find compelling with my social networks. I have yet to share a partial article, I just wouldn't do that to my friends.

Set the info free, build good-will and your audience will choose to engage on a deeper level.